SRJC women’s golf team taking off

Attracting a core of former Empire prep players, the Santa Rosa Junior College women’s golf team is gaining ground.

The second-year program is growing and improving. More players means greater competition in practice and better match scores.

“We have something to offer the kids. We should have enough players to compete for better spots in tournaments,” said SRJC coach Derek Felciano.

Currently a club sport, SRJC women’s golf competes in the Big 8 Conference.

This season the squad has enough players to field a full-fledged team. In tournaments teams can play six with four scoring. Last season SRJC had just two players.

“We have the capability of finishing in the top half of the conference,” Felciano said.

Gains made by the team in the past year also include an independent studies class, allowing players to include golf practices and matches in their academic schedules. More players turned out this season as a result.

More recruiting should continue to bolster the team’s roster. Several freshmen on the SRJC squad played golf at Empire high schools. Victoria Chandler, out of Maria Carrillo, has been low scorer for SRJC.

Better organization has included more fundraising through the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation for equipment and travel costs. Next is a pasta feed at Ausiello’s 5th Street Grill on Oct. 14.

“Last year was a good learning experience. We’re not going away,” Felciano said.