By Jason Lawerence
Special to the Citizen
With two seniors and a junior coming back from last year’s retooled roster, plus an influx of newcomers, the Park Hill girls’ golf team is looking to rebound in 2018.
Veteran head coach Taralyn Garner, who is once again assisted by Mark Gourley, returns honorable mention all-Suburban Conference Gold Division junior Isika Akula, who finished 11th at the conference meet, as well as seniors Emma Roberts and Tessa Poolman, who finished 25th at the Class 2 District 8 Tournament last season as the Trojans finished seventh at the tournament, only qualifying the now graduated Kelbey Emerson for the sectional tournament.
In addition to Emerson, who earned all-conference (10th) and all-district (second) honors before finishing 29th at the Class 2 Sectional 4 Tournament and missing the state cut by six strokes, Park Hill will have to replace graduates Lauren McBride (42nd at districts), Erin Koeliker (43rd at districts) and Madi Harmon on the varsity roster.
“Several athletes played JV last year and several new athletes that have great potential to impact the team will contribute greatly to the team effort,” Garner said.
Garner expects her team to finish in the top three at the conference meet this season after inclement weather prevented team scores from being calculated a season ago.
Park Hill tees off against Platte County at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27 at Shiloh Springs Golf Course to open the season. The Trojans hosts their first home triangular at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29 at Tiffany Greens Golf Course against North Kansas City and Platte County.