The MPHS girls golf team started out the season strong with two golfers setting personal records during their first match at Valley View Golf Course in Saginaw. From there the team has had their ups and downs, they had some rough SVL matches that they placed low at, but the Oilers made up for it with a 1st place win at the Lakeview Invitational in Bowen Lake. It was the team’s first time placing 1st at a match in a few years.
The team has put a lot of work in this year, with only six girls they’ve all had to really step up, especially with several back-to-back matches. Senior captain Mariah Ortiz has done a great job leading the team as the only senior. Going into the season she was confident in the team and coach knowing that they could be successful if they worked hard in practice and gave extra effort to teambuilding. This year Ortiz’s favorite match was the Lakeview Invitational, she was really proud of all the girls since they played really well and three of them earned medals, including herself. They really showed off the work that they had been putting in and it meant a lot to them to win. Ortiz has been on the team all four years and her favorite memory is from her very last match. During the last two holes of regionals her coach was by her side handing her clubs and walking her through each shot. It meant a lot to her because it was the last time she would ever feel his support and guidance. She really enjoyed being the captain of the team this year. “Being the only team captain has been one of the best experiences. I loved being there for all my girls throughout the season, and being able to guide them during my last season as I had received from the previous team captains was a full-circle moment. Being the only senior girl in Mount Pleasant High School to golf all four years sets the standard for the underclassmen to put themselves out there and to put in the work because in the end, it will always be worth it.” Said Ortiz.
Overall Mt. Pleasant got 8th in the Saginaw Valley League this year. After the SVL championship match at the Fortress Golf Course in Frankenmuth Ortiz was given an honorable mention and junior Willow Gott got 2nd team all conference. But the regional tournament did not go too well for the girls, it was a very cold and windy day at the Emerald in St. Johns. They took 9th place and unfortunately did not qualify for states, but they were not too upset about it and finished the season with a fun team dinner at Olive Garden.
