Local golfers get into the swing of things at the Hilmar tournament

Thanks to a second-place finish by senior Savannah Van Gaalen, the Turlock High girls golf team took second place in the preseason Hilmar Yellowjacket Invitational at Turlock Golf and Country Club on Monday.

Van Gaalen shot a 1-over-par 73, one stroke behind Lily McGowan of Union Mine (El Dorado).

Oakdale's Bella Cortes (77) was the only other player to finish under 80, helping the Mustangs to the overall title with a team score of 335. Turlock finished with a score of 362, followed by Livingston (413), Hilmar (417) and Pitman (418).

Hughson finished eleventh with 480.

“Our No. 3 starter, Kate Harrington, was sick and didn't play,” said THS coach Mary Krupka. “Even though we didn't win, it was a valuable day for us. My assistant Kelsi Beltran and I saw some good things out there.”

Lilly Garza led the host Yellowjackets with an 88, followed by teammate Valerie Quaid, who scored a 90.

Reece Benjamin and Brianna Cuenca of the Bulldogs both posted a strike rate of 95, while junior player Frankie Ronveaux posted a strike rate of 99.

Paige Jajko of Pitman led the Pride with a score of 100, two strokes better than teammate Clarissa Vallejo.

Adaley Poulson led Hughson with 113.

“For some reason it feels like we're a week behind, but we're working on it,” Krupka said. “This tournament is always a good way to get ready for 18 holes in hot weather. There's nothing better than a tournament at Turlock Golf and Country Club. The course is in really good shape.”