Mount Si girls golf has had the best season in years. Going into the league tournament, the team holds a 6-1 record. Freshman Caitlyn Maralack and senior Danielle Burns and the number-two and three-ranked players in the league. Junior Tabitha Dorn is the number-six player in league.

Burns has overcome injury to bring her scores down into the high 30s this season and nurture her hunger for delayed state glory.

Maralack, the experienced young player, has consistently shot in the low 40s or upper 30s all season, and Dorn is busting into the lower 40s.

“This is the strongest Mount Si team I’ve coached,” says Brandon Proudfoot, head coach.

With the entire team shooting under the 60-stroke qualifier for state, Proudfoot is understandably impressed.

Success pays off. In the team’s sole loss to Mercer, Mount Si’s top trio led. Middle scores made the difference. But every Wildcat golfer was out there fighting for every single shot. No one gave up.

“For the new girls, some who haven’t played a lot of competitions, to be on a team that’s going out and winning gives them motivation to practice and play more,” Proudfoot said.

That bodes well for the future.

Mount Si golfers play in the league tournament, 8:30 a.m, Monday, May 6, at Willows Run’s Eagle Talon layout in Redmond.

Strong play could qualify this group for district play.

“We’re one of the few teams who can say that everybody who tees up Monday has a chance.”

Strong friendships in the game

With such a strong record, “This is amazing for Mount Si,” says Burns.

Last Wednesday, she was on the course, getting her drives into shape.

“I’m hitting the groove,” she said.

“The focus for me is hitting a clean show. Remembering the feel of that shot keeps me focused on doing it again and again.”

She missed state last season after an appearance as a sophomore. Already signed to play at Methodist University in North Carolina, she’s pushing for that state return.

For the Wildcats, Burns says new and old team members are working like a team to pull off winning scores.

“I’ve had a blast with these girls this year,” she said. “I’m going to take away everything they’ve given us. We had a bunch of newcomers help us have a full winning season.”

“From start to finish, we’ve had each other’s backs,” says Dorn. “There’s been a lot of encouragement on the team this year.”

Newcomers, several sophomores including Amanda Urbasich, came out with little experience. But they’ve improved an amazing amount, Dorn said.

Freshman Bianca Backman is working to keep her mental game in check, and is working to get her game into the 40s.

This was the first team experience for Maralack. She never expected it to be this fun.

“It’s great having such a great team behind you,” she said.

Just like she said at the start of the season, Maralack plays this game one shot at a time. She’s medaled several times.

“I try to think positive,” she said. “Every hole—what was the good thing that happened?”

“I feel like we’re one of the tightest teams,” says Maralack. “We have strong friendships, even if we just met each other this year. We support each other through good and bad rounds.”

You can follow Mount Si golf scores here.

Entering postseason play, they’ve had the strongest season in memory. Mount Si golfers: Tabitha Dorn, Amanda Urbasich, Bianca Backman, Caitlyn Maralack.