Girls’ Golf Preview 2011

Coach: Dave Gragnola, entering first season as head coach. Gragnola has a son, freshman Robert, who excels at golf, just like his father.

2010 record: 0-14

2010 recap: In a season full of close matches, the Falcons did not find much success. Out of 14 matches, the team won zero but fought well against teams such as rival Los Gatos and league champions Evergreen Valley. Even though the team was not successful overall, it sent one player to CCS.

Star Player: Junior Samika Kumar, who almost qualifed for CCS last year

Key Departures: Uttara Sivaram, who qualified for CCS last year

Key Additions: Freshman Vivian Roan

Keys to success: With a smaller team, the coaches have a chance to work with each player individually. The team will focus on reducing the amount of shots it takes to improve its scores. By addressing one type of shot each practice, the team is perfecting its shots and developing knowledge of the sport. With Saratoga Country Club as their home course, the Falcons have the advantage this year of becoming familiar with the course, something they can use to their benefit in their home matches. This year, the team had cuts, so the general skill level of the average player on the team has increased from last year.

On the importance of focus: “Most people believe that golf is an old-person sport. But in reality, the sport requires a lot of diligence, hard work and skill. Matches tend to be at least three hours long, requiring a lot of focus and stamina. One momentary lapse of concentration can cost a player the match. Although our practices are spent working hard in the hot sun, we have really become a family, and every practice has a little bit of laughter, putting challenges, and deer. In the end, golf a is really difficult sport to master, but it is worth every single stroke” sophomore Nikki Thareja said.

Magic Number: 34. The par for the Saratoga home course. The Falcons are continuing to improve their scores on their home course.