It’s been a busy start to the season for varsity girls’ golf. The Panthers competed in their fourth match of the week against Sequoia High School on Thursday, Sept. 19. The team lost in a narrow 204-186 defeat, dropping their record to 2-2.
Co-coach Michelle Riley was still impressed with the Panthers’ performance and expressed enthusiasm about the team’s potential for the rest of the season.
“I’m pleased with their performance,” Riley said. “It’s a nice group of girls, and the most important thing for me is that they’re out, learning how to play, and getting comfortable…”
Heading into the first week of matches, Riley highlighted the importance of getting off to a quick start this season.
“This is our first week of matches, and to have four, it was like trial by fire,” Riley said. “They just jumped into it right away.”
Given the team’s mixed results so far, senior Ella Daudel believes the squad will improve as they receive more match experience.
“Some of us are experienced, but, for example, I’m a newer player,” Daudel said. “Just getting more time on matches, experimenting with different distances, different courses, would be the one area where I think we could use support.”
Burlingame is expected to lean on the experience of seniors Taylor Oldenburg and Lily Jones to help lead the team to victory this season.
“[Jones and Oldenburg] both have four years of experience and are amazing to watch and to play with,” Daudel said.
New transfer student and sophomore Katie Frick is also one to watch, having impressed in her first few matches for the Panthers.
“We can always count on [Frick] for bringing a great game and showing her skills,” senior Jennie Benaglia said. “She is always really solid and very consistent with her playing and with her talents.”
Despite the loss, the team remains optimistic for the upcoming season.
“We work really well socially, but we also challenge each other to be better athletically,” Daudel said. “We didn’t win, but I think we have a lot of potential to improve in the future and hopefully win some more battles.”