August 25, 2026

Written by Chandler Sjoerdsma

RIVERSIDE:  The Wolves’ season kicked off with the Poly Classic, an 18 hole tournament hosted at the venerated Victoria Country Club in Riverside. There were twelve other schools involved in this tournament, including league competitors Santiago and Centennial. At the end of a very long, very hot six-and-a-half hour round, King finished in 9th place with a final score of 552.

Sarani Yapa had the round of the day for the Wolves, shooting a two-over 75 and taking solo third place in the tournament. With six bogies and four birdies, Sarani handled the uncomfortable conditions at her home course with the experience characteristic of a four-year senior and a leader for the team. Alyssa Christensen and Addison Ruan followed with scores of 104 and 114, respectively. Georgia Herbon, Kendyl Chapman, and Journey Reish toughed it out through their first high school competition, as well as the challenge of walking 18 holes for the first time in over 100 degree heat, with final scores of 129, 130, and 133, respectively.

COACH’S TAKE:  I think this tournament was a great opportunity to hit the ground running at the start of our season, and it identified areas to work on for each player in a way that practice cannot. I am proud of our three newcomers for their hardiness and dedication to our team, which is extra essential with how small our team is this year. Every player is equally important for the success of our team, and the Poly Classic proved it. Our returners had their own experiences of ups and downs, and I plan to use the results of this tournament as motivation to keep our eyes on the prize and continue working hard as we approach season competitions in a couple of weeks.