Folsom golf team improves to 2-0

They've only had two matches, but Folsom High's golf team is off to a 2-0 start and is looking forward to having a good season. The Bulldogs defeated Whitney Wednesday at Catta Verdera Country Club in Lincoln, 218-219, and prior to that opened the season Aug. 31 at Empire Ranch against Rocklin and won, 200-215. Folsom is led by junior Saanvi Kotti, who is one of the top teenage golfers in the area. Against Rocklin, Kotti shot a 31 on the front nine holes at Empire Ranch, including six birdies. "Saanvi is probably the best golfer to come through Folsom High," Folsom co-head coach Paul Danzi said. "She's one of the best golfers in Northern California. She was first-team all-league as a freshman and was on track to be the league MVP last season but opted out of the final tournament because it was the day before finals. Three years ago, she won a World Jr. Golf Championship, and earlier this summer she qualified to play in a USGA Jr. Amateur Tournament in Maryland against the best golfers in the country." Following Kotti against Rocklin was fellow junior Ashley Benedict, who shot a 37. Sophomore Nishka Modi, the team's No. 2 player, shot a 42, as did junior Taylor Vallner. Sophomore Ali Oxman and senior Emma Ames finished the round with scores of 48 and 50, respectively. Kotti shot a 36 in the one-stroke win over Whitney on Wednesday. Modi finished her round in 40 strokes followed by Ames (46), Benedict and Oxman, 48, and senior Anna Cerdan, 59. While the best player on the team is Kotti, the best part about the team is the sheer number of players. Eight players make up the varsity team, including those previously mentioned, as well as junior Ariella Barera, while 11 girls are on the junior varsity team. "Three seasons ago in my first year here, we had four players," Danzi said. "To have 19 now is insane, but obviously it's a good thing. We actually have some kids that play golf, but we also have a lot who are brand new to golf and that we turn into golfers. "Nishka came in as a freshman last year and since then has totally dedicated herself. She's put so much effort into her game you can see it. Ashley had a career-best 37 against Rocklin. She's a big, strong kid who crushes the ball. She takes lessons and works hard." The Bulldogs hope to qualify for the playoffs as a team this season. "It would be the first time in recent memory that the Folsom girls' team qualified as a team," Danzi said. "Based on our scores from our first two matches, it's feasible." Folsom's next match is at Empire Ranch on Tuesday against Granite Bay before playing at The Ridge on Wednesday against Del Oro.