By Pete Borello

Members of the Mountain View High golf team mark their fourth straight perfect season in the SCVAL De Anza Division.

There isn’t a player on the Mountain View High golf team who can recall the Spartans’ last loss in league. That’s because all of them were in junior high or elementary school when it happened.

Mountain View hasn’t been defeated in league play since April 2004, according to longtime coach Steve Miyano. The next season, the Spartans started a winning streak that has reached 48 league matches in a row.

“I am very proud of the boys for their excellent play and for wanting to keep the streak going,” Miyano said. “It has become part of their nature to want to win.”

Mountain View last week ensured another perfect season (12-0) in the SCVAL De Anza Division by routing Fremont at Shoreline Golf Links. Adam Ichikawa and Matt Wallach paced the Spartans, tying for medalist honors with 1-under-par 35s.

“Adam Ichikawa is playing unbelievable golf this year,” Miyano said. “His stroke average in league play is below par. Being a junior, I am really looking forward to his return. Unfortunately, we will be losing three seniors.”

Wallach, Spencer Fletcher and Ryan Kelly are the three players who have been on the team since the streak began. Fletcher advanced to the Northern California championships last year, placing 28th out of 90 golfers.

“Spencer Fletcher has been a dominating player from the start,” Miyano said. “He and Adam are always battling for the top spot.”

Miyano added that Wallach and Kelly “will also be sorely missed.” Wallach – headed to the University of Colorado on a scholarship – has made great strides this year, Miyano said, while Kelly “has been very consistent.”

Keeping the streak alive next year without this trio expects to be a challenge, yet Miyano has confidence in the players coming back.

“Luckily, we will have several other juniors returning besides Adam to keep the streak going next year,” he said. “Mitch Goulette has taken at least 3-4 strokes off his index and newcomer Nick Kinoshita has been a blessing. He stepped right in and has played super golf all year.”

Another junior, Thomas Gerard, “is showing lots of ability and hope for the team,” the coach said.

Miyano also sees promise in a pair of freshmen.

“I have a lot of hope for Matt Nichol,” he said. “Within this season, his game has improved immensely, as has our only female, Michelle Rank. She has made a spot for herself on the team and feels very comfortable there. … Her game is also improving very steadily.”

The Spartans are scheduled to participate in the Aptos Tournament Monday at Seascape Golf Club, their final tuneup before the league finals April 28 and 29 at San Juan Oaks Golf Club in Hollister.

Mountain View is expected to defend its title easily at the league tournament, then make another run at the Central Coast Section championship in May. The Spartans finished fourth at the CCS finals the past two years, just missing the Northern California playoffs.

Mountain View’s continued success can be attributed to many things, according to Miyano, not the least of which is team chemistry. Although golf is primarily an individual sport, it’s hard to discount the Spartans’ teamwork.

“Every player encourages the others. They all get along extremely well,” the coach said. “They are always joking and kidding each other but are there to back each other up on the course. I believe that is one of the reasons for their success – besides being just great golfers.”

Contact Pete Borello at peteb@latc.com.