Led by a pair of juniors and a new head coach, the 2011 San Benito girls golf came up just short of a Tri-County Athletic League championship and a berth in the state championship.
With the return of last year’s top golfer – captains Emiley Palmquist and Lexi Branon – the Balers expect to take that next step forward in the first year of the Monterey Bay League.
“This year, coming into it (I’m) really excited because I know the girls from last year that are coming back,” head coach Corryn Martin said. “Even though we lost a lot of girls, we still have some good ones coming back this year.”
And it all starts with Palmquist and Branon.
“Emiley and Lexi have been playing really well,” Martin said. “They have been leaders on the team. Both are captains – nominated by the girls – and I have some other seniors as well that look really strong and some returning players.”
San Benito will need its top players to play well, after losing three-fifths of its top-5 from a year ago. But with two players returning from Central Coast Section championship berths, inexperience shouldn’t be an issue. Instead, with Palmquist and Branon, San Benito figures to be among the league’s best.
“I expect all that and more,” Martin said. “Their game has been stepped up and they know that. And they are working on everything everyday. I know Emiley wants to play in college and Lexi is thinking about that too. I would expect that from both of them. They are both doing wonderful.”
That includes working with a sophomore and a pair of freshmen in the team’s top-5 players.
“It’s really different because this year we have a lot of new players – a lot,” Branon said. “Especially, we have a lot of new seniors too. I think we need to give more guidance on how to control your anxiety when you’re playing. Trying to help them do that, that’s the best thing.”
And in the Balers’ first meet of the year, Branon and Palmquist led the team to a 293-341 victory over league-rival Notre Dame. Palmquist (41) and Branon (51) both hit tournament lows in the victory. Freshmen teammates Amy Carvalho (63) and Logan Randle (73) also played well.
They young players’ strong play is something Martin expects to continue with each tournament this year, she said.
“They haven’t played before – maybe when they were really young – but when you’re working with them it’s exciting because of all the small successes,” Martin said. “What has actually been really surprising from these new girls are their large successes. It’s here you go: ‘Oh wow, yesterday you didn’t know your clubs and today you are hitting 150 yards.’”
She continued: “They are improving steadily and that’s really exciting for us. As coaches, it’s fun to see and it’s rewarding.”
But for the team to succeed, it will need more growth from Branon and Palmquist in their senior years. And the pair knows that.
“I practice like every day,” Palmquist said. “I am preparing mentally to do better.”
Branon has spent just as much time on the course, as well, she said.
“I practice a lot,” she said. “Getting back to where I was last year is what I’m focusing on right now. I really want to improve on what I did last year. I think I played my best at the end of the year and I want to get back to that.”
After one match, so far so good for the 1-0 Balers. San Benito traveled to Salinas on Monday to face Alvarez at the Salinas Golf and Country Club. Look online for results.
The Balers host Monte Vista Christian at San Juan Oaks Golf Club at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
