Goleta-area high school golfers showcased strong performances at the Channel League Individual Championship on Monday at Santa Barbara Golf Club, a par 72 course. Dos Pueblos and San Marcos girls golf teams claimed eight of the top 10 placements, with Dos Pueblos junior Celeste Alcaraz repeating as the Channel League champion.
Alcaraz finished with a six-over-par 78, placing nine strokes ahead of the rest of the field. Dos Pueblos head coach Dan Choi noted Alcaraz's competitive drive, mentioning that she wanted to tee off first to set her own tone for the match. Coach Choi described Alcaraz as a rare athlete who excels at a high level in different sports, highlighting her commitment to improvement despite balancing golf with soccer. He stated it was rewarding to see her hard work yield results.
Following Alcaraz, San Marcos senior Mia Rocha secured second place, carding a score of 87 in the 18-hole competition. San Marcos head coach Sarah Ashton reported that Rocha enjoyed her play, which contributed to her strong score. Ventura senior Oakley Moran placed third with a score of 88.
The next five positions were filled by athletes from San Marcos and Dos Pueblos. San Marcos junior Simrin Singh earned fourth place with a score of 89. Coach Ashton commended Singh for her putting performance and success on the par 3s, expressing pride in all five of her girls for their effort. Dos Pueblos sophomores Bella Sebastian and Alina Van Hooijdonk placed fifth and sixth, respectively. Sebastian shot a 98, while Van Hooijdonk finished her round with a 103.
Dos Pueblos coach Dan Choi acknowledged Sebastian's significant contribution to the team's success throughout the season. He also highlighted Van Hooijdonk's willingness to put in extra effort, noting that this dedication is yielding positive outcomes. San Marcos senior Chloe Bellamy and sophomore Cana Spieker tied for seventh place, both carding scores of 104. Senior Sierra Kaderali rounded out the San Marcos contingent in the top 10, placing tenth with a score of 109, ensuring every Royal golfer was represented in the top standings.
Additional Dos Pueblos golfers also participated, with Sophia Fuste placing 11th with a score of 110, Sophie Ralston finishing 15th with a 120, and Macy Prahm coming in 17th with a 121.
In a separate league championship held at Olivas Links Golf Course in Ventura on Monday, Santa Barbara High junior Ceci Duarte secured her qualification for CIF-SS Individuals next week. Duarte finished in fourth place, shooting a 99 on the par-72 course. Santa Barbara High head coach Ryan Throop identified Duarte as the team's leader throughout the season, noting her consistent improvement in both tee shots and putting. Coach Throop described Duarte as humble, enjoying the ongoing process of daily improvement.
Another strong showing for the Dons came from Hannah Mahboob, who placed 13th among 30 golfers and recorded her first-ever birdie.
Celeste Alcaraz from Dos Pueblos, Mia Rocha, and Simrin Singh from San Marcos will represent their respective schools at the CIF-SS Individuals next Monday. Santa Barbara High's Ceci Duarte will also compete in the CIF-SS Individuals next week.
