Enochs-Beyer: MMC golf title is on the line

Eagles, Patriots meet Tuesday; Turlock again out front in CCC race

By Ron Agostini
ragostini@modbee.com

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Rivalries must begin somewhere. So it is with Beyer High and Enochs.

The Enochs and Beyer girls golf teams own 10-1 records going into their duel Tuesday at Creekside in a match which should decide the Modesto Metro Conference title.

"I think it's great that two schools that have a new rivalry carry it over to golf," Enochs coach Matt Doyle said. "We're just down the street from each other. It's good for the area."

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Enochs, which finished third last year, relies on sophomore Shawnee Martinez, one of the Stanislaus District's best. She's averaging only 1 over par in the MMC, but she gets help from improved senior Mary Silva and junior Demetria Adame. Beyer answers with Jill Mochizuki and Angela Nuccio.

Beyer surprised Enochs with a 17-stroke win at Modesto Municipal in early September. The Eagles responded with a five-stroke victory Sept. 17 at Dryden, leading to the important rubber match.

The final collision is one of four remaining MMC matches before the league tournament Oct. 19 at Dryden.

Here is a look at the rest of the league races:

CCC -- To no one's surprise, Turlock (9-0) once again is in charge of the Central California Conference race over second-place Pitman (7-2). The Bulldogs have topped their crosstown colleagues twice, the second time last week in a wind-swept meeting at Stevinson Ranch.

Mary Krupka began her coaching tenure at Turlock six years ago with a loss to Atwater. Since then, the Bulldogs have rattled off 64 straight CCC victories and are well positioned for their sixth straight conference title. Opponents held out hope after Spencer Heller graduated and took her sharp game to Sonoma State, but Turlock has replenished with a young team featuring senior Stephanie Hammell and sophomores Elizabeth Rowan and Emma Mendes.

"I don't talk about it (the streak) all the time, but it's there. We know it," Krupka said. "We're trying to keep it in the family as long as we can."

The CCC tournament is scheduled for Oct. 19 at Stevinson Ranch.

VOL -- East Union, pursuing a fourth straight Valley Oak League title, thought it might slide without graduated standouts Krysta Clark (Fresno State) and Lindsey Shoot (Cal State Monterey). Instead, senior Jackie Ketner is averaging about 40 -- spiced by an exemplary 39 despite a strong wind at Oakdale CC -- and the Lancers (11-0) hold a one-match lead over Sierra. The Timberwolves, who lost by 10 strokes to EU two weeks ago, get one more chance later this month. Senior Alicia Kimec leads Sierra.

One of the area's most amazing players is East Union senior Katie Vaught, who posts scores despite a prosthesis for a right leg. "She's been our No. 5 player most of the year. She walks through her swing like Gary Player and really contributes to the team," coach Brian Goulart said.

VFL SOUTH -- Central Catholic (10-0) again has taken charge of the South division of the Valley Foothill League, a collection of golf teams from the Trans-Valley, Mother Lode and Western Athletic leagues. A two-stroke win over Livingston (8-2) has put the Raiders in line for a third consecutive title with four matches left. Hilmar (7-3) also is in contention for second.

Seniors Jessica Ferlmann, Giovanna Pecchenino and Holly Wilcox pace CC, as the league prepares for a home stretch capped by the VFL South Tournament Oct. 20 at Chowchilla's Pheasant Run.

VFL NORTH -- Escalon (12-0, 9-0), which never has won a league title, is closing in on one after a 16-stroke win over Bret Harte at the Bullfrogs' home course at Greenhorn Creek. The win, Escalon's second over Bret Harte, was sweet because Bret Harte edged the Cougars by a stroke at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V Championship last year.

Sister tandems Presli and Parker Pilati and Samantha and Sabrina Luque anchor Escalon with four matches to go before the VFL South Tournament Oct. 20 at Ripon's Spring Creek CC.

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.