Badgers aim for fourth golf title

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:59 PM)

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Amanda Rudd and Jordan Keyser will bring plenty of talent and experience to this season's Yosemite High School girls golf team, as the Badgers are favored to win their fourth consecutive league title.

Rudd, a senior, finished the season last year ranked third in the league. Her game of the year came during the CIF Central Section Team Championship Tournament, coming in with the lowest individual score of 75, beating Asia Adell of Clovis West, who was ranked No. 1 in the Valley at the time.

Keyser, a sophomore, was named Most Valuable Player in the North Sequoia League last year and advanced to the CIF Southern Section Championship Tournament in Murrietta.

"My goal this year is to be No. 1 in league," Rudd said. She says her short game has improved this past year.

"My short game accuracy has helped get a lot of one putts, which really helps my overall game."

It's no surprise that Keyser has the same goal of being No. 1 in the league this year.

"I also want this team to win the Central Section Tournament and get to the CIF Southern Section Championship.

"That will be a big challenge for us since we have been moved to Division I when the playoffs begin."

Brianna Smith, a senior who finished the season last year, ranked 9th in league, hopes her improved short game will move her to No. 5 this year.

Also returning from last year's team is Ashton Mearse, Kristen Emerick and Maggie Brewer.

The only new player on the team is freshman Hannah McMechan.

"This is the first year we have not had a total beginner on the team," said Rusty Oetinger, head coach. "There are girls on this team that have a very good chance of going deep into post season play."

2010 YHS Girls Golf Schedule

All matches start at 2 p.m.

Aug. 30: Selma vs. Yosemite @ Sierra Meadows

Sept. 7: Clovis East vs. Yosemite @ Belmont CC

Sept. 8: NSL Mini Tournament @ Sierra Meadows

Sept. 13: Kingsburg vs. Yosemite @ Sierra Meadows

Sept. 15: NSL Mini Tournament @ Eagle Springs/Brighton Crest

Sept. 22: NSL Mini Tournament @ Fresno West

Sept. 29: NSL Mini Tournament @ Pheasant Run

Oct. 6: NSL Mini Tournament @ Madera Municipal

Oct. 13: NSL Championship @ TBA

Oct. 18: North Area Championship @ TBA