Coming off its best season ever, the Washington girls golf team is looking for an encore.
Or better.
In a year in which the top two Mid-Illini Conference teams from 2009 — Pekin and Morton — are depleted, the Lady Panthers have high expectations.
“The girls are definitely more enthusiastic,” WCHS head coach Matt Reiser said. “I think we have a chance to get more wins this year.”
Three juniors will be counted on to lead the way.
Mackenzie Barker, a second-team all-conference honoree last season, Ellen Corbin and Brianna Salmi all are third-year players.
Another golfer pursuing a third varsity letter is senior Carly Slagel, who likely will play anywhere from the third through fifth positions.
Sophomore Jill Karcher started out the year safely in the top six.
Another sophomore, Morgan Elmore, contributed nicely as a freshman.
Others on the roster are: seniors Samantha Watts, Katelyn Wilcoxson and Stephanie Williams and freshman Meagann Friedmansky.
Washington’s next goal after rising to fourth place in the league a year ago is to post a winning record.
After getting to a point where they expect to have a chance to win just about every time out, the Lady Panthers are working to hone their knowledge of the rules.
“It can come down to who wins or loses,” he said. “We want to use the rules to our advantage.”
The procedure for an unplayable lie is an area in particular Reiser sees many players not use the best relief.
Another way Washington is attempting to trim strokes is by focusing on the short game.
Reiser said he sees more team spirit in the way players create games to practice the pressure around the greens.
With the addition of Limestone to the Mid-Illini scene, girls golf now is played at all eight member schools.
Since Washington started its program in ’06, Canton, East Peoria and the Rockets all have joined.
There are several changes to the schedule.
The Lady Panthers will play at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club twice in the same week this season, with the second time coming at the 18-hole Mid-Illini tournament.
The Cuba course is the new home of the Canton golf teams after Canton Public Golf Course was shuttered.
Other additions compared to last season are Eureka and Fieldcrest.
Princeton and Notre Dame were dropped.
Washington began the ’10 campaign with a 203-219 home victory Aug. 24 over East Peoria in the Mid-Illini opener for both teams.
