MONROE, CT — Coming off a runner-up finish to Newtown in the South-West Conference Tournament, along with a third-place result in the Division II State bracket, the Masuk High girls golf team has reason to believe this can be its year.
The Panthers return all of their starters from last year’s solid squad and with a year of experience and postseason success under their belts the Panthers should be serious contenders.
Coach Bob Pagel said the goal is to match last year’s success — or do better — capture the SWC crown and finish first or second in the state.
The team is led by its captains: Senior Jocelyn Allen and juniors Alex Cecchino and Abby Yeager.
Cecchino, and sophomore Adriano Lupo are players to watch throughout the season, Pagel said.
Newtown, the Panthers anticipate, will be the toughest team they will face in the SWC. The teams will square off twice this regular season — a non-conference clash Thursday, May 1, at Newtown Country Club and the regular match that counts in the conference standings on May 13 at Whitney Farms Golf Course, both at 3 p.m.
Masuk won its first two matches of the campaign. The Panthers beat host Joel Barlow of Redding 190-240 at Redding Country Club on April 9. Lupo and Yeager each shot a 46, Cecchino a 47, Allen 51 and Emma McIntyre 66.
Masuk carded a 192 to defeat Notre Dame Prep at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course on April 10 (Notre Dame does not have enough golfers for a team score). Cecchino had a 44, Lupo a 47, Yeager 49, Allen 52 and Alexa Gill a 57.
Masuk will return to the course Tuesday, April 22, at Stratford (Mill River Country Club at 3 p.m.).
Their goal is to match last year or perform better, winning the SWC and finishing 1st or 2nd in States.
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