No blame for Harigae, Stevenson

Mina Harigae broke down crying just moments after she finished her round Thursday at Poppy Hills. It wasn't from pain or glory. It wasn't from relief or even frustration.
In that 30 to 40 seconds during the CIF State Girls Golf Championship, it was pure guilt.
Mina shot 77, a score that only a handful of others manage to best. And still she felt guilty.
She battled a balky putter, a sore knee, an extremely tough course. And still she felt guilty.
She led the Pirates this year to a TCAL championship. A CCS title. She was medalist at NorCals and helped Stevenson qualify to State.
And still she felt guilty.
Yes, the Pirates lost out on that elusive State title that only 3 teams in Monterey County have ever claimed. That it came by one stroke, one lousy missed putt or skulled chip shot, makes it even tougher to swallow. No doubt all six players will think about the shot that got away that could have turned it all around.
Mina will probably think about a bit longer. And she'll feel guilty longer, too.
It comes with being one of the nation's best junior golfers. It comes with the enormous expectations people have after winning a USGA title and making the cut at the U.S. Women's Open.
It comes with being a four time California Women's Amateur Champion.
And mostly, it comes with the character Mina has forged since she took centerstage as 12-year-old phenom. It comes from a person who cried NOT because of what her score meant personally, but what it meant to the team. It's hard to believe, but I think there was a moment where Mina may have given up any of her vast personal achievements for the team title Thursday. There is no doubt in my mind that what she wanted most was for her teammates to feel like she has felt.
The funny thing is, I think her teammates already have.