Girls’ golf team shows marked improvement

Coach: Dave Gragnola, returning to coach the girls’ team for the second year in a row. 

2011 record: 7-5

2011 recap: The Falcons placed third in the Blossom Valley Athletic League and sent three players to CCS. Every player improved at by least five strokes. 

Star players: Seniors Samika Kumar, Sara Pettersson 

Key additions: Freshman Ankitha Sarvesh

Key matches: Los Gatos

In 2010, the Falcons lost 14 matches. Last year, they only lost five. 

The 2011 girls’ golf season featured a new coach, a new course and a smaller, younger team. This year, the players plan to demonstrate how much they have improved as a result of these changes.

“Most of us were here as freshmen, so we have really experienced people now,” senior Samika Kumar said. “I think we could make it to CCS as a team.”

Although three girls from last year chose not to play this year and key player Halle Champion is attending a different school, the Falcons have high hopes for this season. 

Tryouts took place throughout the second week of school starting Aug. 27. The team now consists of four seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and three freshmen. Freshman Ankitha Sarvesh has been playing for four years and is looking forward to playing in matches with her team.

“I can’t wait! I’m really excited to play with the rest of the girls,” she said.  

Coach Gragnola put it best: “Saratoga is the favorite in 2012.”