The Morro Bay Pirates Girls’ Golf Team ended the season with a big win. Photo submitted
In a thrilling conclusion to the season, the Morro Bay Pirates Girls’ Golf Team recently clinched victory at the Ocean League Finals Tournament held at Blacklake Golf Course in Nipomo. This win not only crowned them champions of the tournament, but also secured Morro Bay second place in the overall Ocean League standings.
Competing against other Central Coast high school teams, Nipomo, Santa Maria, and Mission Prep, the Pirates displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, said Coach Mimi Black. The Pirates maintained focus and composure throughout the tournament. Their determination paid off as they outperformed their competitors, especially in the final 9 holes.
The teamwork built on and off the course through practicing together for hours, playing in tournaments and participating in community events is pivotal to how well a team competes.
“Playing on a team fosters camaraderie with your teammates during practices and competitions,” Coach Mimi Black told Estero Bay News. “There is a thrill of competing against other schools and representing your school as a whole. Golf also offers individual challenges, and allows players to set personal goals, while still being part of a team. Golfing on a team is a great way to build friendships, and I love the camaraderie and bonds that have been created in our team.”
Golfer Diana Nicolas (Santa Maria), Kara Glickman (Templeton), Lucy Fortini (Morro Bay) at the Ocean League Finals Tournament held at Blacklake Golf Course in Nipomo. Photo Submited
With this tournament victory, the Lady Pirates finished the season with a strong second-place standing, while Templeton High School claimed first place in the Ocean League. “I’m incredibly proud of these young women,” said Black. “They’ve put in hours of practice, and their dedication truly showed at the finals. As a team they demonstrated competitive stamina throughout the 18-hole course.
“Leading the charge for Morro Bay was senior Team Captain Lucy Fortini, who delivered an outstanding performance and was awarded First Team All-League Honors. Lucy’s precise putting helped propel the team to victory and contributed significantly to the team’s overall league standing.”
Lady Pirates’ Golf Team members: Ashley Beltrama, Beatrice Appel, Samanatha Nishihama, Willa Turton, Coco Fortini
Beatrice Appel, who has been a consistent player throughout the season, was also awarded Honorable Mention All-League Honors. The team was rounded out with fantastic performances by Willa Turton, Coco Fortini, Samantha Nishihama, and Ashley Beltrama. Additional players that contributed to the team’s success throughout the season were Haley Hart, Adelaide Stover and Peighton Lopez, Black said.
“I’ve loved witnessing the growth of these players, both in their skills and their self-confidence this season,” said Coach Black. “What’s even more important is that every single player on the team achieved a personal best during the season, and there were plenty of smiles and high fives on the course.”
With their second-place finish in the Ocean League, the Morro Bay Girls’ Golf team has laid a solid foundation for the future. Many of the team’s athletes will retun next season, bringing experience and confidence as they aim for another successful season.
“This past season we were laying the foundation as a team,” said Coach Black. “For next fall, I am hoping to keep building on the strengths of my returning players, while also promoting a supportive environment for them to learn and to enjoy themselves. I also like our team to volunteer and participate in charity tournaments to give back to the community that supports them.
“I’m hoping that by focusing on these goals, the team can enhance their individual performances and set the stage for a successful season.”
Black said she is also looking for students with new interest in the game to try out for the team.
“I do encourage girls (who may even be new to golf) to come out to our MBHS summer program which starts in July,” Black said. “That way they can take a test-drive of golf and, if they enjoy it, they can continue to come out and develop their skills during the fall season. If it’s not their cup of tea, they’ve had the opportunity to try golf and may come back to it at some other time.”
