Estancia aiming for carryover

The Estancia High girls’ golf team wants to enter the Orange Coast League the same way it left the Golden West League: by winning a league title.

Coach Art Perry, who last year won his first league title in seven years at the helm, likes the Eagles’ chances for year eight.

“That’s our goal, and I think we’ll do it,” Perry said. “We were pretty happy with our season last year. They were mostly juniors and they’re all coming back. Now, I’m dominated by seniors.”

Estancia finished 15-2 last year, including 8-0 in Golden West League matches. The Eagles have lost only Lauren Cushing and Lauren Donner from that squad.

Seniors Bridget Gleason and Lina You were first and second, respectively, at the Golden West League individual tournament last season. Both golfers return for their fourth varsity season.

Senior Caroline Clements, in her second varsity campaign, was fourth at the league individual tournament last year. A transfer from Corona del Mar High, Clements had to sit out her sophomore year but came on strong for the Eagles last season.

Taylor West, a junior, rounds out Estancia’s top four players. West, in her third varsity season, also has plenty of experience. She was seventh at the league tournament last season.

“I’ve got the top four players back,” Perry said. “All four of them are better golfers than I am.”

Perry said sophomore Jackie Crosson, up from the junior varsity, has been impressive.

Seniors Josie Flores and Avery Williams are vying for a varsity spot.

For golf, the Orange Coast League will include Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Westminster, Ocean View and Orange.

“Our goal is to take the top two [individual] spots in the league again this year,” Perry said.

The Eagles have beefed up their schedule, playing in the Ayala, San Clemente, Palm Desert and Serrano tournaments.

Estancia has a match scheduled for Sept. 25 in Nevada against Pahrump Valley High, the defending Nevada Class 3-A state champion.

Perry also said he looked forward to the CIF Southern Divisional team tournament, an event in which the Eagles placed 12th last year.

“We’re a small school, and it’s going to be tough,” Perry said. “We’re going against all the big boppers. But I think our overall strength is a little better this year.”

Estancia defeated Edison in its season opener Thursday at the Costa Mesa Country Club.

Gleason was the medalist at one-over-par 36.

THE EAGLES

Caroline Clements Sr.

Jackie Crosson So.

Josie Flores Sr.

Bridget Gleason Sr.

Taylor West Jr.

Avery Williams Sr.

Lina You Sr.

Coach: Art Perry

(eighth year)