After an undefeated 2020 season, the girls golf team hopes to continue its streak by winning another CCS championship title this fall.

When PAUSD implemented a three season, shortened sports schedule last year because of COVID-19, senior and captain Lauren Sung said her team had to go from one week of practice straight into matches. 

“I think it was probably a month and a half of just two matches a week,” Sung said. “But it was pretty good; we went undefeated again.”

Sung said she is confident in her team this year and aims for another undefeated season to round out her fourth year. One of her goals is to foster talent from the team’s new members in future tournaments. 

“Our goals would be winning leagues, to win another CCS and making it to states again and just having a fun time.” Sung said. 

Coach Doyle Knight said the most difficult thing the team faced during the 2020 season was the lack of bonding due to changes made for COVID-19 safety.

“We used to take vans to all our matches, and we don’t get to do that now,” Knight said. “To me, it was just a way for them to bond and now we can’t.”

Sophomore Alexa Pineda agrees and said COVID-19 creates a disconnect between teammates, especially since she wasn’t able to fully experience a high school season until last year. Nonetheless, Pineda said she appreciates the captains’ words to keep the girls together.

“They’re just always positive on the golf course, and if I’m playing badly, it’s still fun playing with them,” Pineda said. “They talk a lot and are enthusiastic.”

Despite some COVID-19 restrictions still in place, Sung said she is confident the team can cultivate the spirit that contributes to her love of golf.

“I hope that in the coming years, those upperclassmen can step up and get that environment back,” Sung said. “It’s definitely what makes golf fun and what motivates each other to play.”