Last season was the first normal season for the Pine Bush girls’ golf team.

They posted a 6-6 record, but after losing two of their top three golfers from last season, the Bushmen will open the 2023 season on April 11, looking to build the program that is showing increased numbers.

Despite having lost Sara Ippolito, who finished 11th at the Section 9 championships, and Katherine Sassi, who finished 26th, fifth-year coach Derrick Frost said the Bushmen have twice as many golfers as last year.

The early goal is to build the program and improve the skill of the beginning golfers, which includes Lanna Burtchell, Loreal Campbell, Marie Curran, Kayla Dewinter, Amanda Fox, Gabriella Franqui, Annisa Kheiralla, Rebeca Lockward, Jocelyn Loennecker, Alanna Page and Makenna Peters.

Stephanie Tranchina is Pine Bush’s only returning golfer, but the new girls are eager to learn, and eager to improve their skills.

“Many of the girls are new to the sport and lack experience, but I am excited about the growing interest and the potential of the newcomers,” Frost said. “We have several underclassmen that are on the team, and I am hoping that we can build a good foundation for the future seasons.”

Valley Central
Meanwhile, the Valley Central Vikings are heading into a new era as Glenn Taylor takes over for the recently retired Scott Warner, who coached the program for 15 years.

The Vikings will return some experience in last year’s section qualifier Sarah Samuelson, along with Alix O’Connor, Leah Vetro and Maddie Greene. Taylor is hoping the Vikings can send more than one golfer to the sectional tournament this year, with possibly sending someone to the state meet.

“The girls are hardworking and positive,” Taylor said. “They truly want to improve their games.”