Modesto JC golfers celebrate NorCal title

The Modesto Junior College women’s golf team toiled for two days on the hilly Castle Oaks course, but the Pirates’ fatigue didn’t interfere with their celebration.

Their trademark top-to-bottom balance carried them to a Northern California championship Tuesday, as they held on to turn away Big 8 Conference rival Sierra by four strokes.

“It’s a wonderful feat. I have a consistent team,” coach Milan Motroni said. “They keep their scores low.”

The Pirates, back-to-back Big 8 champions, figured to be hard to beat. Their one obstacle in the six-team field was Sierra, which won two of the 10 Big 8 tournaments (Modesto claimed the other eight).

Modesto built a seven-stroke lead over Sierra after Monday’s round, but the Wolverines responded. In fact, Sierra had overtaken the Pirates after four of Tuesday’s scores were posted.

Modesto stabilized with strength from freshmen Parker Pilati (80-83 – 163) and Malina Meza (83-82 – 165). The Pirates finished with a total of 640.

Leading the Pirates was Gabby Singh (75-78 – 153), one of the team’s four sophomores, who placed sixth and earned an individual medal.

“I thought the course would suit her. She’s usually straight down the middle,” Motroni said. “She also has the most consistent short game.”

Modesto’s experience also showed via Kelsi Valenzuela (79-81 – 160), Ariel Walsh (90-82 – 172) and Jenny Ketner (95-85 – 180).

The Pirates and Sierra will represent the North at the State Championships on Sunday and Monday at Morro Bay. Modesto knows the course through its participation the last two years in a midseason tournament there. Last year, Modesto placed fourth out of four teams in the state tournament.

“It will be another tight one. We finished fourth at Morro Bay, but we did beat Sierra during the second day,” Motroni said. “If we have two good days, we should do well.”

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 9:55 PM with the headline "Modesto JC golfers celebrate NorCal title."