PREVIEW: Ries leads small but experienced Panther squad


The Monticello High School girls golf team, from left: head coach Joe Steen, Lauren Ries, Marissa McNally, Lydia Franzenburg, Lily Lambert, Olivia Goodyear and Courtney Campbell. (Photo by Pete Temple)
GIRLS GOLF
By: 
Pete Temple
Express Sports Editor

     A varsity girls golf meet consists of six players on each team. This year’s Monticello High School team has exactly that number.

     Fortunately for the Monticello Panthers, there is a great deal of experience in the six players they do have.

     “I think our biggest strength is we have some experience,” 16th-year head coach Joe Steen said. “We have five kids who have played in the past. Lauren (Ries) at the top will be an advantage as well in terms of scoring.”

     Ries, a junior, qualified individually for the State Girls Golf Tournament last year, and finished in a tie for 17th place. She will lead a team that includes three other returning letter-winners: junior Courtney Campbell, and sophomores Lydia Franzenburg and Lily Lambert.

     Also on the team are sophomores Olivia Goodyear and Marissa McNally.

     “With only six kids, we are going to rely on the same kids each meet,” Steen said. “I was really hoping to get some more kids out to help get our numbers up.”

     Despite that, the coach said he is optimistic about the team’s chances this spring.

     “We want to be competitive in our (River Valley) Conference meet,” he said. “We want to have a winning record, qualify for State and to have fun.”

     Toughest opponents in the conference, Steen said, are likely to be Tipton, West Liberty, Camanche and Durant.     

 

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