The Palo Alto High School girls’ golf team is looking to return to the Central Coast Section finals and the California Interscholastic Federation Championship with the help of rising freshmen and veteran players.

The team managed to make it to the CCS tournament last season, but was unable to advance to the CIF Championship.

Head coach Doyle Knight says that the team has what it takes to accomplish this goal.

“With returning players Candace Wang, Stephanie Yu, Jasmine Choi and the addition of two outstanding freshman players, Priya Bakshi and Katherine Sung, our team is just as solid as our 2013 team,” Knight said.

In 2013, the team managed to advance all the way to the California Interscholastic Federation State Championships where the team placed 4th.

There are only three players left from the successful 2013 season; seniors Emily Hwang, Elise Kiya and Alice On.

“It would be nice to go out the way they came in,” Knight said.

According to junior Stephanie Yu, the addition of freshman players Priya Bakshi and Katherine Sung will help the team make it to CCS and then CIFs after.

“Our top six [ranking players] include two freshmen who are excellent players and play competitively outside of school,” Yu said. “That will definitely boost our team this year.”

Knight has also started an early morning weight workout designed to build up the players’ strength.

“This year we have implemented a weight training program which will help the girls during the season,” Knight said.

The Vikings’ season starts at 3 p.m today at Palo Alto Hills Country Club with a match against crosstown rival Gunn High School.