This could be a memorable year for the Sweet Home girls golf team.
The eight-girl squad, which is coached by Jason Gorham and head golf coach Tom Horn, will feature a player Horn says is “the best in the league” – senior Chelsea Gagner. Gagner, a four-year letter winner, placed third last year in the district tournament and 20th at state. She is the highest-placing returning player in the league.
Also back is fellow senior Elyse Ellingboe, a one-year letter winner who should provide the team some low scores this season, Horn said.
“There has been constant improvement from Elyse and we expect that to continue,” he said.
The rest of the team is made up of newcomer Georgia Tyler, a senior, sophomores Sarah Tyler, Megan Moser, Denea McCalister and Moriah Vannice, and freshman Ella Butler.
As with the boys, the girls have a shot at one of the two state tournament berths from the district. Molalla is the league favorite, Horn said, with the second spot wide open. It will be contested by Blanchet Catholic, Sisters and Sweet Home.
The girls open their season March 16 with a nine-hole tournament at Arrowhead Country Club in Molalla. They are also scheduled to play at Aspen Lakes in sisters, the Phoenix Invitational in Medford and the Sweet Home Invitational at Mallard Creek.
Horn said spectators are welcome at the Huskies’ matches.
Girls Golf
Schedule may be subject to change. If in doubt, check weekly schedule in The New Era.
Thursday, March 16 At Arrowhead (nine holes) 2 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22 At Illahe (nine holes 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4 At Santiam Noon
Tuesday, April 11 At Mallard Creek-counter Noon
Wednesday, April 12 At Shadow Hills TBA
Tuesday, April 18 At Arrowhead-counter Noon
Thursday, April 20 At Santiam Noon
Wednesday, April 26 At Stoneridge (Phoenix) TBA
Tuesday, May 2 At Aspen Lakes-counter Noon
Wednesday, May 3 At Mallard Creek Invitational 1 p.m.
Monday, May 8 At Districts at Santiam TBA
Tuesday, May 9 At Districts at Santiam TBA