Key players return, giving Wildcats high hopes to qualify for state meet

BY ED WRIGHT
Aug. 26, 2010, 1:15 p.m.

  In 2009, Plymouth's girls golf program knocked on the door when it came to qualifying as a team for the Division 1 state meet, placing fourth in the Regional tournament.

  This fall, the Wildcats have the talent to knock the door down.

  Coach Chris Moore's team returns all of the players that scored in matches last season when Plymouth went 9-1 in dual matches while winning the KLAA South Division title.

  "Our No. 1 goal is to win the division again," Moore said. "And, hopefully, we can qualify for the state meet as a team. We're trying to find six solid golfers now and get everyone to improve their game. The girls have been working very hard."

  Moore said he has noticed measurable improvement since last fall.

  "A lot of the girls played in tournaments this summer, and that has resulted in lower scores so far this year," he said.

  Leading the Wildcats' charge will be sophomore Kelsey Murphy, who has established herself as one of the top players in the state following a stellar freshman season that earned her a trip to the state meet as an individual.

  "Kelsey's knowledge of the game is unbelievable," Moore said. "Her short-game techniques are amazing and she's very strong mentally, which is pretty impressive for a sophomore."

  Three other sophomores should be among the Wildcats' top four scorers this fall: Sarah Thompson, Mandy Kirsch and Danielle Allen.

  "Sarah had a very good year as a freshman, but she was still kind of raw," said Moore. "After playing in a lot of tournaments this summer, she's more mentally strong and prepared. She knows what it takes to win.

  "Mandy has a great swing; she just needs more experience. Danielle has been our most-improved player so far. She needs to work on her putting, but her driving and iron play have been superb."

  Other players Moore is counting on to break into the top six are Christy Pattison, Chloe Marentic and Stefania Scambati, who was named the team's captain.

  Pictured in the above photo are (front row from left) Sarah Thompson, Kelsey Murphy, Carly Curvin, Lindsay Dean, (back row from left) coach Jody Wolfe, Jane McCurry, Lauren Prochazva, Chloe Marentic, Stefania Scambati, Kendra Bartkowiak, Ashley Pawczuk, Christy Pattison and head coach Chris Moore. Not pictured are Mandy Kirsch, Danielle Allen and Lindsey Oprisiu.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.