2023 Vaqueros Look to Drive to a Championship in 2023
Santa Barbara, Ca. Fresh cut grass. The sun rising over La Cumbre peak. Birdies dropping from the left and right of number 3… Welcome to the 2023 SBCC Women's Golf Team! With solid returners and up and coming freshwomen, the Vaqueros are looking to make waves in 2023 Fall Season. For those who don't know the history, SBCC has 4 CCCAA State titles since 2006 ('06, '08, ''13, '15), including two 2nd place state finishes ('07, '16). The Covid pandemic put a bit of damper on the program in terms of numbers, but the Vaqueros were able to rebound last year with a 3rd place finish in the WSC, while narrowly missing the state finals by a mere 5 shots. Nevertheless, SBCC placed 2 golfers in the CCCAA state finals, and now look to continue to build off that momentum for the 2023 season.
Sophomores Megan Duncan and Emily Ruiz lead the way for the Vaqueros. With scoring averages last year of 89.86 and 93.43, respectively, both players have been working hard in the offseason to improve their all-around game. "I am really excited for both Megan and Emily to be back with us in the program and continuing to improve their games over the season," said 4th year head coach Devin Engebretsen. "I know that both ladies have really been working on their game over the summer and are looking forward to making big strides this season."
Joining Duncan and Ruiz are a talented mix of incoming freshmen also looking to make their mark on the WSC. From Lake Oswego, Oregon, Sophie McCoy brings a variety of tools to the table and should be in the running for a top-10 individual WSC finish. "Sophie is great player who can hit it far, manage mid-irons, chip really well and finish things off with her putter," said Engebretsen. Camarillo's Kimberly Luby is a player accustomed to the Santa Barbara golf circuit as she was a regular on both the Santa Barbara Junior Golf Tour and the Ventura County Junior Golf Association. "Kimberly has a ton of junior golf experience up and down the Central Coast and will be a force to be reckoned with by the end of the year." Rounding out the 2023 Vaqueros are Amaya Urquidez (Arcata, Ca), and Santa Barbara High's Ella Arce. "Both Amaya and Ella were their high school team's #1 player and have a lot to bring to the table in terms of talent, work ethic and attitude. I am very happy they are here," added Engebretsen.
The 2023 Women's Golf season tees it up on August 28th at San Dimas Canyon Golf Course hosted by Citrus College. After taking Labor Day off, the Vaqueros host the WSC on September 11 at Santa Barbara Golf Club. "Santa Barbara Golf Club (Muni) is a great track that tests all of the athletes in our conference when they play here. Luckily, we get to play the course weekly, so we are excited about being able to host here again," said Engebretsen. After three more conference slates, SBCC will travel to the State Preview on October 8/9 at Hunter Ranch Golf Club in Paso Robles. Following the two last WSC matches, the Vaqueros close out the conference season in Bakersfield at the WSC Finals, followed by the SoCal Regionals at Simi Hills GC (11-5/6) and end the season 11-13/14 back at Hunter Ranch for the State Finals. "I feel like we have a great opportunity to make it to SoCal and then it's up to our golfers to perform and get the team to State. I really believe in this group, and I think their progress will be evident throughout the year." You can come support the Vaqueros at SBGC on September 11, and you will find them practicing at Muni daily. Come out and show your support!
