STOCKTON — East Union’s run of nine straight Valley Oak League titles officially came to an end Tuesday at Swenson Park Golf Course, but the Lancers still made their mark in the postseason tournament.
Junior Natalie Cowan was low medalist with a 17-over-par 89, leading East Union back to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III Tournament. As a team, the Lancers took second with a 506 behind league champion Oakdale’s 469. It’s the first girls golf title for the Mustangs since winning three in a row from 2003-2005.
Oakdale, led by tourney runner-up and season MVP Taylor Stewart’s 91, had four players place in the top 10. Hayley Leonard took fifth with a 93 for East Union. Kendra Campbell joined her in the top 10 with an eighth-place score of 95. Both Cowan and Campbell made the All-VOL first team, while Leonard ended up on the second team. Presley Graham took 18th with a 109.
The top three teams (Oakdale, East Union, Kimball) and six individuals advance to the divisional tournament scheduled for next Monday at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills.
Manteca and Sierra are sending two players each to divisionals. They finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with 575 and 578 scores.
Haighley Kissee of Manteca beat out Central Catholic’s Bella Cuevas in a playoff on hole 4 team to seize the final individual berth. She finished with a 111 to lead Manteca. Sierra Martinez shot a 117, earning a spot on the all-league second team and the Division III tournament. Bella Gonzales (113), Kylee Eberle (115) and Taylor Reed (119) also factored into the team score.
Sierra’s Legacy Barnes (104) and Bryanna Gavino (101) are All-VOL second-team players and section qualifiers. Also competing for the Timberwolves were Kaitlyn Looney (117), Hailee Looney (125) and Aubrey White (131).