By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
The Elkhorn Area High School girls golf team hopes for a middle-of-the pack finish in the Southern Lakes Conference this season.
Before criticizing the Elks for a lack of desire and competitive fortitude, realize that the program went winless last season in SLC dual meet competition, won one dual meet in 2014 and has finished seventh in the standings in each of the last two seasons.
“With some key varsity members returning from last year, plus some new faces that should help us out, we hope to improve upon last year’s results,” said Steve Fisher, who is in his ninth season as the Elks’ head coach.
The Elks opened competition Aug. 11 in the Badger Varsity Par 3 Invite at Hawk’s View Golf Course in Lake Geneva.
Elkhorn finished seventh of nine teams with a score of 364. Waterford won the team title with a score of 284.
Senior Carlie Hanson paced the Elks with a 79 and finished 16th overall. Senior Emma Wolman carded a 90, junior Ava Greeley shot a 93 and junior Hailey Czubernaut shot a 102. Sophomore Payton Ross finished at 105.
Among SLC teams in the field Union Grove finished second (286), Badger finished third (291) Wilmot fourth (310) and Westosha Central/Shoreland fifth (327). Burlington finished sixth (337).
Waterford’s Taitum Beck won individual medalist honors (62).
The now graduated Jessica Barrett advanced furthest of the Elks last season. Barrett carded a 100 after 18 holes Oct. 6 in a WIAA Division 1 sectional tournament at Edgewood Golf Course in Big Bend. Barrett did not advance to the WIAA Division 1 Girls State Golf Meet Oct. 12 & 13 at University Ridge in Madison.
The top two teams and the top three individuals not part of one of the top two teams advance from the sectional tournament to state.
The Elks finished seventh last season in the Southern Lakes Conference golf meet, which was held Sept. 22 at Ives Grove Golf Links in Sturtevant. Barrett led Elkhorn with a 97 and finished 13th overall to lead the Elks. Barrett earned All-SLC Second Team honors last season.
After two trying seasons Fisher is optimistic for an improvement in the Elks’ fortunes.
Seniors Veronika Vigil, Wolman and Hanson and juniors Greeley and Czubernaut are part of an experienced core that is expected to contribute. Sophomores Grace Christian, Jena Jacobs, Brianna Doty and Ross are also key returnees.
Newcomers Ryley Rand, a sophomore, and freshmen Ali Showalter, Rachel Devries and Raven Musgrove round out the team. Fisher said the Elks’ numbers this season are strong – 19 girls are out for golf.
Badger, Union Grove and Waterford are expected to vie for dominance in the SLC this season. Union Grove is the four-time defending SLC champion.
Elkhorn played in an eight-team scramble Monday in Sturtevant at Ives Grove Golf Links.
