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Santa Margarita’s girls golf team continued its strong start at the Rainbow Sandals invitational but could shift into a higher gear Thursday when the reigning CIF State champion makes her debut with the Eagles.

Leigh Chien, who has been observing the sitout period for her transfer from University, is expected to play against Orange Lutheran at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club, Santa Margarita coach Jill Hegna said.

The Stanford committed junior knows Coto de Caza well because she practices at the course.

Santa Margarita swept top honors at the 17th Rainbow Sandals invitational host by San Clemente on Monday.

The Eagles shot a 5-over-par 370 to defend their team title and also crowned the individual champion in Ryan Bullock.

Bullock carded a 4-under-par 69 at San Clemente Golf Course to claim the individual title by three strokes over teammate Angela Liu. The junior shot a 1-under-par 72 and was the only other golfer to score under par.

Liu is another golfer to watch on Thursday. She also practices at Coto de Caza, Hegna said.

Santa Margarita also received strong scores from freshmen Veronica Man (74) and Angelina Tao (76) and sophomore Taryn Cagle (79).

Los Alamitos and Orange Lutheran posted scores of 382 and 402, respectively, to place second and third.

Orange Lutheran’s Jayne Sung shot a 1-over-par 74 while Los Alamitos freshmen Ashley Han and Lauren Shin each carded 2-over-par 75s.

Season preview: O.C. girls season loaded with intriguing matchups

Please send girls golf news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy on Twitter

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