The sanguine words of an ancient Arabic proverb perhaps best encompass the sentiments of the girls golf squadron of Palo Alto High School: “Without pain, we wouldn’t know joy.” As their season nears its end, the team readies for the Central Coast Section (CCS) championship.

The Vikings started off the week strong, obliterating Los Altos High School by 90 strokes on Oct. 11.

Credit for the destruction can be attributed to several athletes on the team. Junior Stephanie Yu shot a 35, and freshmen Priya Bakshi and Katherine Sung, who have been consistently strong players all season, shot a 39 and a 41 respectively.

Yet the hope of a winning streak fell through when the Falcons snatched victory from the palms of defeat for the Vikes in a loss to Saratoga High School by 11 strokes on Oct. 13. In addition to the loss on their record, the Vikings were met with an even greater tragedy.

The game against Saratoga was the team’s senior game, meaning the lassies had to accept that they will lose many key players next season when this year’s seniors graduate.

Senior Elise Kiya reflects on playing one of her last games.

 “[The game] was pretty fun and emotional,” Kiya said. “We lost, and that was pretty sad too. After four years of golf, we have six seniors graduating.”

I think if we can play well at leagues, then we will make it to CCS this year.

Katherine Sung

Freshman

Despite the emotional game, the Vikings bounced back, smashing Gunn High School by 12 points with a final score of 208-194.

The win not only solidified the team’s confidence, but prepared them for CCS as well. The team has quite the journey ahead and the girls must ready themselves for the CCS championships if they hope to go far and win a title this season.

“I think if we can play well at leagues, then we will make it to CCS this year,” Katherine Sung said.

It all ends Nov. 1 when the Vikes will be taking on their CCS finalist opponent. Victory is well within reach for the mighty Vikings.