Girls’ golf team captains shine amidst league struggles

The Santa Monica High School girls' varsity golf team finished the 2024 fall season with a final record of 1-6, ending 5th out of 5 in the league. Despite the team’s inconsistency, both team captains, Frances Aguilar (’26) and Cash Henton (’25) made it to league finals, with Aguilar additionally advancing to the first round of CIF. 

The season began on Sept. 17 against North High School, marking the first competitive match for many players. Coach Roshni Mejia mentioned how crucial that experience was for the team, highlighting the positive atmosphere despite the loss. 

“It was the majority of our team’s first match… the effort and willingness to learn is what counts at this stage,” Mejia said. 

On Sept. 24, the team faced El Segundo, losing narrowly by a score of 67-60. Mejia expressed optimism about their progress, emphasizing that they are constantly lowering their scores. 

“My goal is to narrow the gap even more… every improvement counts as we head toward league finals,” Mejia said. 

The team's perseverance paid off on Oct. 1 when they achieved a thrilling 197-198 victory against Redondo High School. Ophelia Harvey’s (’27) impressive birdie was a major highlight of the match. 

“Seeing my progress made the experience really fun and rewarding,” Harvey said. 

However, the team faced setbacks in their next match against West High School on Oct. 8, resulting in a loss that left them with a 1-6 record. Henton, playing in her final season, expressed her hopes for the team next year under the leadership of Aguilar, and reflected on the season's end. 

“It's going to be a challenge to have them really locked in and in the right mindset to play. Everyone just needs to make sure they are practicing all the time… I think they will be nice and prepared in her [Frances Aguilar] hands,” Henton said. 

Aguilar also reflected on the season, and shared upcoming goals for next year. 

“I think more effort could have been put into different sections. Many people focused on just one area and improved there, but were lacking in others. Personally, I think I played well, though I had the same issue and tried to improve it towards the end,” Aguilar said. 

With Aguilar moving on to CIF, Coach Mejia shares her expectations. 

“I just love the idea of her going there, having a good time, and going for the experience,” Mejia said. 

With league play finished, the team has shown significant efforts toward improvements and personal success. Coach Mejia expressed pride in the team's bond and the strides they’ve made together. 

“They have worked extremely hard and bonded so well as a team,” Mejia said. 

Catherine Aguilar / Contributor 

[From left to right] Charlize Rivas (’27), Leila Diaz

(’27), Isabella Czer (’27), Tullisen Pond (’27), Fran-

ces Aguilar (’26), Cash Henton (’25) and Sharon

Abramson (’27) At Alondra Golf Course on Oct. 2

after their win against Redondo High School.