Hosting Hilmar on Tuesday, Oct. 3, it was a win on the links for the Escalon varsity golf girls. It was their first victory of the year, coming in Trans-Valley League play against the Lady Yellowjackets, with the final score Escalon 170, Hilmar 189.

Scoring leaders were Genevieve Casazza, 42; Elizabeth Allan, 38; Taylor Bruns, 45; Cortney Ball, 46. Also hitting the course were Rose Percey, 47; Mia Fernandes, 57.

“We got our first league win!” shared head coach Chris Casazza. “What we knew all along could happen, finally did happen. We’ve had so many close matches all year, it felt great to finally get a win. To beat a tough team like Hilmar, and to do it at our home course, made it even more special.”

It was a goal the team had worked for, putting in plenty of time and effort.

“Our girls were overjoyed and so proud of themselves,” added the coach. “A win like the one over Hilmar can go a long way toward building up the confidence of our entire team.”

Thursday, the girls traveled to Hughson and played the back nine holes at River Oaks Golf Course for the Oct. 4 league contest. This one went to Hughson, 171-206.

Casazza carded a team low 43, followed by Allan, 45; Ball, 58; Taylor Bruns, 60. Non-scoring players were Percey, 67; and Isabelle Titsworth, 70.

“This match wasn’t close. It was not the result we were hoping for after our win earlier in the week against Hilmar,” admitted Casazza. “Genevieve and Elizabeth were able to attack the course and put up great scores. This course presents a whole slew of quirks and physical distractions that made it a surprisingly tough course to play.”

The course features a few holes along the river and there are various elevation changes in addition to narrow fairways, the coach said.

“On top of that, some of our girls had never played this course before,” he added. “The girls showed fortitude, though, and powered through. I’m proud of the way they keep their chins up, and treated this match as a learning experience.”

The team was slated to play at Jack Tone Golf Course against Ripon on Oct. 10, after The Times went to press and then will host Livingston on Thursday, Oct. 12 for the final head-to-head match in league play.