With four seniors returning to Oxford Varsity Girls Golf, the Lady Cats are have a competitive edge and promising shot to qualify for state finals.
‘We’re headed for a good season with the best opportunity to qualify than we’ve ever had,? said Head Coach Terry Kelley, adding that seven out of the eight team members have already developed consistently low scores on the course.
‘We’ve got five girls shooting around 50 right now and capable of finishing under that, with some who will be in the 40 range before too long,? Kelley said.
‘Our strength is in our balance,? said Kelley. ‘It’s just a matter of the coach getting them in the right place at the right time.?
Before the Flint Metro League season, opening tournament team play stands at 4-2 with wins over Brandon, Clawson, and Carman Ainsworth. Close losses were suffered against league champs Linden by three strokes and Birmingham Marion by 12 strokes.
Four returning players attended golf camp in the off-season and Kelley said the stint improved the overall team average.
‘All four players have already shown capabilities of consistently shooting 50,? he said.
Consistency, strong hitting, and improved putting skills are expected from captain senior Beth Hubbard, who finished the 2004 season under 50.
Kelley said Hubbard has given the team a powerful edge to start league play and will be an outstanding team leader this season. Currently, Hubbard is keeping her strokes at the 50 mark.
Camp improved senior Captain Samara Carroll’s posture. Already grabbing a match medal in non-league play, the senior is currently hovering around 53 strokes, which Kelley said should dip below 50 regularly when Carroll develops a moderate pace of play.
Kelley said golf camp paid off for junior Karen Offer as well. An intense competitor with a strong swing, Offer has also nabbed a non-league medal shooting a consistent 52 in her game.
‘Offer is very athletic and will do well on the course.?
Junior Kelsey King is a first year player coming off the youth program at Oxford Hills and is already averaging a score of 56. Kelley said her ability to listen and a strong motivation for perfection has driven King to develop excellent rhythm in the game.
Moving up from the junior varsity team is Stephanie Hiltunen. Kelley said the junior has developed a good swing, consistently shoots around 50 and is excited about her potential on the course.
‘Because she is attending college courses two nights a week, Hiltunen can only play two matches per week with us, but I can’t imagine what she would do on the course if we had her every game.?
Sophomore Clare Hubbard is playing the course with an expert touch that has earned her a non-league match metal. Kelley said her pitching and putting ability lends consistency to the game, although she is having trouble getting herself out of the trees quickly.
‘She’s a fast learner and with time she will figure it out,? he said.
Sophomore Kristin McIsaac is the team’s only left-handed shooter. She’s improving with her ability to readjust her release during a match and stay with what works.
Sophomore Christie Schiffman was also moved up from the junior varsity team and is quickly improving her strokes, hitting 51 in two non-league matches this season.
‘Christie is working on her posture and has improved her game immensely with a few shoulder adjustments,? said Kelley.
Kelley said all of the girls are not afraid to change.
‘I watch them push out of their comfort zone, which is difficult,? he said.