After watching his team shoot 4-under in a regular season match several weeks ago, Wilson golf coach Joe Klemmer said the 2020 Bulldogs were the best he’s had in 15 years.

They went out and showed it Wednesday at Blackwood Golf Course, winning the BCIAA team championship by eight strokes over runner-up Exeter. It was their first title since winning back-to-back crowns in 2014-15.

Wilson’s low score of 321 came in windy conditions on a course that was soaked by 2 inches of overnight rain.

“The course probably played five strokes harder than it normally plays,” Klemmer said. “They probably all would have been in the 70s, but the course was hard. They didn’t think they played well, but I’m pleased.”

Freshman sensation Kayla Maletto, who was eligible because Wilson doesn’t have a girls team, shot 4-over 74 in the team competition to lead the Bulldogs. Evan Jozwiak had an 81, followed by Jared Foltz and Derek Jopp with 83s.

Maletto, who won the BCIAA girls title Monday, has been the No. 1 player for Wilson. Her presence has raised the bar for her teammates.

“She absolutely pushed them,” Klemmer said. “It’s like with any sport. They didn’t see her as a girl. They saw her as a person who’s their leader. You still have to compete against your teammates. That’s how we keep our team fresh.

“They absolutely were competing against her and trying to beat her. She was trying to beat them.”

The Class 3A Bulldogs will head to the District 3 tournament Oct. 9-10 at Briarwood Golf Club in York, along with Berks Catholic, which posted the best Class 2A score.

Owen Wisner and Luke Weller each shot 78 to lead Exeter, which finished second at 329. Tyler Ott had 86 and Ayden Davis 87.

Wilson has only one senior, Jopp, among its top players, but the Bulldogs are focused on this season.

“There’s no question that Kayla was the stimulus to the whole thing,” Klemmer said. “She really came in and injected a huge positive into the team with her personality. Our mantra this year has been positive and patient, and that’s what they’ve been.”