(Arroyo Grande, CA) After a year off due to the pandemic, the California Community College Athletic Association Women's Golf State Championships returned and was held at the Cypress Ridge Golf Club Sunday and Monday, November 14, 15.
Mt. SAC was represented by freshman golfer Katerina Cervantes, who finished with a two-day total of 160 to finish tied for 13th overall.
"We are so proud of how Katerina represented Mt. SAC this year and she worked hard," Mt. SAC Women's Golf Coach Greg Osbourne said.
Cervantes, who was Mt. SAC's individual representative for the fourth consecutive year in the state championships, started out with a 2-over-par 74 on Day 1, which was the fourth-best round of all of the 59 golfers from 18 colleges.
"It was great to represent the school and know of the great tradition here (Mt. SAC) in sports," Cervantes said. "That's why I came to Mt. SAC.
"Playing for a team at Mt. SAC was different and when I went to state everyone was kind of super focused. Actually, that was the most relaxed I've ever been."
Cervantes, who started playing golf at the age of seven because of her dad, has played mostly tournament golf, except for her time on her Troy High School team.
Cervantes said one of the keys to her exceptional first round was playing a practice round the day before.
"After the front nine, Mr. Osbourne said to me, 'I think that's your best front nine yet,'" Cervantes said. "I tried to play it safe and didn't take any risks."
Both the front and back nine on Day 1 were identical for Cervantes, as she carded one birdie, six pars, and two bogeys.
"He (Osbourne) was ecstatic after my first round," Cervantes added. "When I finally did it (shoot the 74), his whole world was finally made.
"I brought my parents there and for them to see my best round ever was great."
Cervantes, who averaged 84.5 in the 10 rounds of golf in the Orange Empire Conference play this past season, beat her best round (83) by nine strokes at state.
Cervantes carded an 86 on the second day.
"The putts just didn't fall in the second round," Osbourne said. "She was so solid in the first round and she played so well. It was the best round of golf she ever had.
"It was nice for her parents and me to witness."
The first day was halted early due to darkness, with OEC Champion Saddleback in the mix of the eight competing teams.
Saddleback (634) ended up in second overall in the championships, with Modesto (625) taking the state title by nine strokes.
The individual champion, Arlene Salvador of Antelope Valley College, finished with a 139 (68-71).
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.