The Acalanes Girls Golf Team captured first place at the Silverado Invitational on Tuesday afternoon, September 24th, at the beautiful Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa. Competing against eight strong Bay Area teams, the Lady Dons posted an impressive team score of 37—just one over par—on a championship-level course that recently hosted a PGA Tour event, won by Scottie Scheffler, just a week earlier. The course conditions were tough, with thick rough and fast greens set up for the pros—but the Dons accepted the challenge with grace and style.

The event featured a scramble + step-aside format, a new and exciting challenge for the team. Despite the unfamiliar setup, the Dons rose to the occasion with confidence, teamwork, and steady play across all 9 holes.

Miracle Gu and Jordan Huskins provided powerful drives, chips and all-around play, while Taylor Baker showed great touch with accurate approach shots and a unique feel for the greens that helped the Dons score on a very challenging course.  New team member Chloe Vignoles stepped up with clutch hybrid play from tough lies and efficient putting, while CiCi Ning provided the team stability with consistent swings throughout the round.

The only blemish on a near perfect score card came on the difficult par-5 9th hole, where the team made their lone bogey—but it didn’t stop their momentum. The Dons stayed focused, connected, and determined, finishing strong and smiling all the way to the clubhouse.

Congratulations to the entire team on a fantastic win! This win was a true team effort—marked by precision, poise, and positivity. It’s a proud moment for Acalanes Girls Golf and a testament to the chemistry and growth of this talented group. The format of the competition led to an invaluable team building activity that taught our players how to work together as a team in an individual sport. Keep driving, chipping, putting—and supporting one another!

We are grateful to Chris Auld, Kayla Walter, and the Silverado Junior Golf Organization for their hospitality and generosity. They put on an amazing event, one that Acalanes will remember fondly.

With this momentum, the Lady Dons are well-prepared for their next match against Campolindo at Contra Costa Country Club on Monday, Sept 29. It is shaping up to be a tight and exciting contest. Go Dons!