What: Returning four players with varsity experience New:

Two sophomores who also play volleyball could have impact

More:

Driving a strength; short game an area needing improvement

Cassville girls golf sporting mix of experience, newcomers

BY KYLE TROUTMAN

ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com With a mix of experienced varsity players and newcomers to the game of golf, Clayton Bagby, Cassville girls golf coach, said the main goal for this season is to steadily improve throughout the schedule.

“Overall as a team, we have some girls that played the last few seasons, but not a whole lot at the varsity level,” Bagby said. “I would just like to see the girls continue to improve as the season goes along and improve individually from where they started the year at.”

Bagby said the Lady Wildcats will look to its seniors and returning players to carry the bulk of varsity duties.

“Gwen Harmon and Julie Gregory are our seniors this year,” he said. “I believe Gwen played varsity the whole season last year and Julie, along with Taylor Yarnall and Anabele Mills, took turns in the varsity spots last year. Those four will be looked at to fill the varsity roles the majority of the season. [Former] Coach Jay Rogers has done a good job the last few years teaching them the game and all have the capability to strike the ball well.”

Bagby said new players are also expected to contribute as the roster takes shape.

“Abbi Yarnall and Molly Pickett are sophomores that are dual participants with volleyball,” Bagby said. “Abbi, when able, could fill the other varsity spot and has probably spent the most time at the golf course since last year. Molly Pickett, as well as Paislee Bolinger, are new to the game, but Molly has shown an interest early to improve and learn to play.”

Wit the mix of experience and newer players, the Lady Wildcats’ seniors are also stepping up as leaders, Bagby said.

“Julie and Gwen are good leaders and have shown an interest in wanting the program to be successful and inviting to players that are new to the game,” Bagby said.

On the course, Bagby said the team has developed strengths but is still working to polish other areas.

“The girls love to hit the tee shot and do a good job of getting the ball in play from there,” Bagby said.

“The short game is where we need improvement. We are spending a decent amount of time working on the chipping and putting early. If the girls can average under two putts per hole, they will be able to pick up a lot of strokes on the competition, so we’ve spent a decent amount of time early working distance control, as well as reading and aligning putts.”

An always exciting point of the season for the Lady Wildcats is the Cassville Tournament, set for Sept. 25 this season. Bagby said the team looks forward to a chance to compete on its home course.

“The biggest tournament for us on the year is probably the one we host,” Bagby said. “Our girls will get a chance to compete in that and it gives us an opportunity to host 15 or so teams and show off the good work that the Cassville Golf Course is doing with the conditions of the course.”

Bagby said the schedule this year has also been adjusted slightly, but it remains strong.

“We have changed it around a little, but not much,” Bagby said. “We have added a couple more 9-hole matches against Big 8 competition this year.”

The Lady Wildcats tee off first at Reed Spring on Sept. 2. The Big 8 Conference Tournament is set for Oct. 7, with postseason play following.