MARYSVILLE — Marysville-Pilchuck girls golf coach Jaci Legore Hodgins said she believes the sky is the limit for her team this spring.
The team graduated one senior and lost another girl from last year’s roster to an out-of-state move, but everyone else is back from last spring’s team. Last year, the Tomahawks showed big improvements individually over the season before, but players struggled to be consistent from day to day. Multiple players last year produced 24- and 25-point games over nine holes based on the Stableford scoring — which awards points on each hole, with more points for a better performance — and many of them are back.
The Tomahawks return both of their all-league golfers from last season. Junior Stasia Ashley placed eighth at last year’s Wesco North tournament at Legion Memorial Golf Course, leading the team to a fourth-place finish in league. She’s joined by senior Sara Rott, who co-captains the team with fellow senior Brielle Saunders. Returning varsity players also include sophomore Abby Beauchamp and senior Taylor Ashton. A pair of sophomores are duking it out for the sixth varsity slot: Courtney Burdett and Kelsey Colmore. Both are returning junior varsity players and are typical of the work the whole team put in during the off-season, Legore Hodgins said.
“It’s a testament to how much they’ve improved that they’re competing for that position,” she explained.
The girls have started their practice season with a great deal of discipline, which bodes well for the team’s success.
“We just had the best start ever, best two week start, when it comes to workouts, being organized, being on the ball,” Legore Hodgins added. “Golf is one of those sports where being organized and being self-controlled is really important and this group has really showed that.”
The girls’ season begins with a league match April 7 at Whidbey Golf Course in Oak Harbor. They host their first league match April 21 at Cedarcrest Golf Course.