Wilson has won the last five Moore League individual golf titles, and 17 league titles, but this could be the year that the Bruins are knocked off their perch. Team co-MVPs Riley Henry graduated, and Olivia Renville transferred, so Wilson is going through a rebuilding season.
“It’s going to come down to what our top three girls are able to do,” Wilson coach Jeff Evans said. “They know they have to be in every match for us if we’re going to have any success.”
Evans is referring to senior Hanah Vos, junior Emma Royle and freshman Emiko Sverduk. All three players average around 40 per nine hole rounds. Vos has been a team captain, and Evans said she worked hard on her game in the offseason.
Millikan will be the toughest challenge for Wilson because the Rams have the most experienced roster in the league. Senior Juliette Ruaux is a four-year varsity golfer who was top five in the league last season. Taylor Espinosa, a transfer from Huntington Beach, is in her second year at Millikan. Senior Kaitlin Kealoha and junior Madison Heintzelman are both in their third year on varsity. Sophomore Olivia Hibson has been the medalist in two of Millikan’s first three rounds this season.
“Played Wilson really tough last year,” Millikan coach Robert Tomlin said. “We only lost by five strokes at El Dorado, which is basically one stroke from each player. The loss has stuck with this team, and that’s going to be our motivation.”
Long Beach Poly senior Hannah Van Wagner also will challenge for the league individual crown, while Lakewood and Cabrillo are working hard to be more competitive in league. The Lancers have a strong core of returners in Emilee Castillo, Mia Castillo, Chloe Gutierrez and Sam Salinas.
TUESDAY
Wilson def. Poly 208-242
Vos made three birdies on her way to a 2-under par medalist honors round of 36 at Recreation Park Golf Course 18.
Lakewood def. Cabrillo at Skylinks Golf Course (forfeit)
THURSDAY
The second day of Moore League action features the match of the year between Wilson and Millikan at El Dorado Golf Course. The Bruins have won at least a share of the league every year since 2008, and the Rams have never won the championship. However, Millikan matches up well against Wilson with similar team totals so far this season. Last year, the Bruins pulled out a five-stroke victory in this match at El Dorado. In other action, Poly is hosting Lakewood at Recreation Park 18.
