SPORTS

Golf hits crucial postseason matches Girls team prepares for the challenge of sectionals

Ben Rosen rosenben000@hsestudents.org

Girls golf will face many challenges this season, including the fact that the team consists of only two seniors, and the team is young. Freshman Olivia Holding believes the team consists of a strong support system that helps her and others get through the challenges that are presented.

“We motivate each other so it’s like if we have one bad score it’s fine, it’s really helpful,” Holding said.

The team finished sixth place out of eight teams at the HCC Championships on Sept. 3 at Bearslide Golf Course in Cicero, as well as a fifth place out of eight teams at the Hamilton County Championships on Aug. 28 at Harbour Trees Golf & Beach Club in Noblesville, where the sectional is played on Sept. 21.

According to head coach Daniel Smith, the team needs to work on improving their confidence and consistency before the sectional tournament. “They need to work on their acceptance of if they have a bad shot and not letting it take control over their entire game,” Smith said. Cour se management, which is being able to know where the ball should be aimed on a shot, is important to being successful at Harbour Trees Golf & Beach Club according to Smith. Sophomore Lilly McVay feels the sectional course presents one of the greatest challenges of the season.

“The sectional course is a difficult course because it is so tight,’’ McVay said. “There’s no room to make a mistake.”

McVay believes the team is in a good place in terms of being able to succeed heading into sectionals.

To get to the regional, the team needs to finish in the top three in the team sectional competition. That tournament will take place on Sept. 28 at Edgewood Golf Course. The team has one more match before the sectionals on Sept. 17 at Gray Eagle Golf Club & Academy in Fishers against Lawrence North.

1. During practice on Sept. 4 at Gray Eagle Golf Club & Academy driving range, sophomore Ellie Metzger lines up to take a swing. Photo by Ben Rosen 2. Sophomore Kaelyn Tai swings for distance at practice on Sept. 4 at Gray Eagle Golf Club & Academy driving range. Photo by Ben Rosen