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Foley’s game improving with time |
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By Patrick Tepoorten
Like other local varsity teams, the North Branch girls golf team has been battling the weather this spring. Cold, wet, and windy conditions, plus the youth of the squad, have combined to cause some early-season struggles.
That was nowhere more evident than on April 28 at Bunker Hills in Ham Lake, when the young team finished ninth of nine North Suburban Conference schools. Coach Dave Ambers called it a “step back” for the team, which scored a 244 on the eastern nine-hole course, and a 250 on the west course, but also noted the weather was a factor for a team comprised of four eighth-grade students and two sophomores.
“The conditions were miserable for the girls,” said Ambers. “However, I have to give the girls a lot of credit. Despite the fact that they were by far the youngest team on the course, they didn’t complain much.”
Individually, at least two golfers caught Ambers’ eye. Katie Foley, who, after shooting a 51 on the first nine-holes, improved to a 47 on the second nine holes. Not only was that her best nine-hole score yet, the two combined for a personal best for 18 holes in competition. Ambers noted that Foley “continues to impress.”
As well, Ambers credited Laurel Dresel for her ability to keep her scores under 60 (56, 59).
On May 1, the team returned home to play Chisago Lakes Baptist and Pine City at North Branch golf course, and though team comparatives weren’t kept, the Viking girls finished with a much improved 221.
Foley matched her personal nine-hole best (47) despite a rocky start that saw two eight-stroke holes in the first three. But she responded by not scoring higher than a five on the other seven holes.
Emily Juve contributed a 53 to the overall, and Cassedy Coleman kept it under 60 as well, shooting a 57. Both Coleman and Lauren Ibinger, who shot a 64, had their lowest round ever.
Amber was thrilled with the team score. “The girls really played well. This was a number I didn’t think we had a chance to see this year,” he said.
Coming up for the Vikings are meets at Blaine on May 8, and St. Francis on May 12.
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