October 22, 2026

Written by Chandler Sjoerdsma

TEMECULA: Four of the King Wolves returned to Cross Creek Golf Club for the Big VIII Individual League Finals on Wednesday. Playing the same course only in name – due to changed tees and more inclement weather – all four girls put their everything into their final individual rounds of the Big VIII. Ultimately, two girls claimed All-League Titles and qualified for the CIF-SS Southern Division Individual Regionals on next Tuesday, 10/27.

Emilyn Czaplicki battled to overcome Finlay Nihei’s six-stroke lead going into the second day, but even though she bested the Shark on Wednesday by a stroke, she settled for a second place league finish with a two-day even-par score of 69 – 73 – 142. Sarani Yapa maintained her third-place position by a solid margin, finishing with a two-day score of 73 – 77- 150. Addison Ruan finished her individual season strongly, carding her personal-low 9-hole score on the back nine on the second day with a 41, ultimately recording a pair of 90s for a two-day total of 180. Alyssa Christensen came within a foot of a hole-in-one on her second-to-last hole – also an impressive finish – and finished her individual season with a two day total of 91 – 95 – 186.

Coach’s Take: A lot of times in golf, it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees. In a game that is all about scores, this round was a great reminder to take a step back and enjoy the environment that golf takes place in. It was a beautiful day for golf, if a little windy, and we were able to dodge the storms that passed only a few miles north of us. The course was in excellent condition, and the girls all had their fair shares of successes that we can focus on.

After working through some technical difficulties mid-round – one of the hardest things to do in golf – Alyssa finished it off with not only a birdie, but a near hole-in-one! I watched with pride and a little bit of fear, I must admit. She would’ve beaten me to that rare golf accolade, and I’ve been playing about as long as she’s been alive.

Addy overcame a tough front nine to finish with her best nine-hole score of the season as well as some of her best putting ever, and it was so much fun to watch her enjoying herself and overcoming frustrations during the round.

Emilyn and Sarani played with some of their closest friends from the league, and the belief that one plays better around better players held true for them. Both girls are highly competitive, and with each of their histories of individual dominance within the league, finishing their high school careers with second- and third-place finishes in league, respectively, is certainly par for the course.

As a team, we’re not done yet. We’re hopeful for our at-large team bid to be accepted by CIF, allowing the whole team to return to competition for at least one more round, and hopefully more. On the individual side, Emilyn and Sarani qualified for the CIF-SS Southern Division Individual Regionals that will take place next week. They both have the skills to move on to the next round after that, and Tuesday will provide them an opportunity to perform well when it especially matters. With any luck, it’ll be a long and successful post-season run for them both.

Emilyn Czaplicki and Sarani Yapa will return to competition on Tuesday, 10/27, for the first round of CIF individual tournaments.

Season Record: 10-4

League Record: 7-3