A second place finish out of four WesCo North Division A opponents may not be an ideal start to the season for the Oak Harbor girls golf team, but head coach Andy Wesley isn’t too concerned.
“The league is going to be a lot closer than I originally thought,” he said. “I still think we can finish on top.”
In their first divisional meet of the season, the Wildcats earned a combined 83 Stabbleford points for nine holes at Whidbey Golf and Country Club. Arlington came away with 90 points and the win. Stanwood took third with 75 and Mount Vernon had 53.
“Arlington had a great round, but Stanwood could have done better,” Wesley said. “On the other hand we were no where close to our best performance.
When everyone starts playing up to their potential at the same time, we will be unstoppable.”
OHHS senior Camille Merritt had the best score for the Wildcats on Wednesday, shooting a 22. She finished five strokes under her average and only three points behind Arlington medalist Kalan Smith.
“I feel Camille is doing a great job at leading the team,” Wesley said. “Even though she didn’t score where she wanted, she is determined to get better by devoting her time to get better.”
Number two golfer, Lauren Acton and number three golfer, Chelsea Gronboch also had outstanding days. Both golfers added 20 points apiece for the Cats.
Wesley was impressed by Acton, who played in the number two position all of last season in her first year of competitive golf.
“She has picked up right where she left off,” he said.
Gronboch played junior varsity all of last year, but has really stepped it up at the varsity level.
“She has the drive from within to improve,” Wesley said. “She works really hard to get better.”
The Wildcats take a break from divisional competition on Monday, March 29 when they make their way to East Wenatchee to compete in the Desert Canyon Invitational. They start league play back up again at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 31 at Eaglemont Golf Course in Mount Vernon.
At Whidbey Golf and Country, 9 holes, 36
Team scores: Arlington 90, Oak Harbor 83, Stanwood 75, Mount Vernon 53.
AR-Smith 25 (medalist), Biun 19, Nash 13. OH-Merritt 22, Acton 20, Gronbach 20. SW-Titus 24, Epperson 13, Palmer 13 MV-Jessica Polinig 25, Hoekstta 14, Wiegand 9.
