BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

It was a beautiful afternoon for the Mariposa County High School golf team as they kicked off their season at River Creek Golf Course on Feb. 25.

The Grizzlies hosted Buhach Colony in Ahwahnee where all of their home matches are played at River Creek.

Buhach Colony went home with the win, 239-312.

“I think our first meet went pretty well,” said coach Jenna Jones.

“We lost, but we gained a lot of information on things we need to work on going forward.”

This was the Grizzlies first time playing nine holes this season.

“It was great to see the players back out and competing,” Jones said.

“There are definitely lessons learned and things to improve on for everyone.”

Both teams saw some challenges on the course.

“We were seeing a lot of challenges with the pin placements on the green, especially on holes eight and nine,” the coach continued.

“It was fun to see the players get in a challenging position on the green and try to adjust their putts.”

As a group playing early in the season, the team was focusing on making solid contact with the ball, while also focusing on individual skills.

“Golf is a very individual sport, so each player had their own items to focus on,” Jones explained.

“Some players who were struggling in their short game were focused on making less than three putts on every green while some players were working on the tee box shots, trying to get the ball straight off the tee and in the fairway.”

Konnor Lobaugh led MCHS in scoring with 48.

“He had some really great drives and led the team in scoring,” said Jones.

“He’s only picked up the sport in the last year and a half or so, and it’s really exciting to see him out again this season.”

Brandon Naranjo had a score of 64, followed by Wilde Ketron and Reese Evans with a score of 66.

Zander Standen shot a score of 68 and Kimo Verceles had a score of 72.

The Grizzlies golf team has several returning players this season but also several new additions.

“I’m just really excited to see how everyone grows and progresses their game this season,” the coach said.

The Grizzlies roster this season includes Darragh Duffy, Levi Evans, Reese Evans, Celina Heard, Ketron, Noah Lilley, Tanner Loftis, Henry Lower, Lobaugh, Naranjo, Noah Roberts McDougall, Standen and Verceles.

Assisting Jones with coaching this season is Evan Standen.

“All of the players are using this as a starting point and are planning on building their skills over the next few months,” Jones said.

MCHS had their second home match on March 5 against Livingston at River Creek Golf Course.

Results were not available at press time.

Next up, the Grizzlies will host Golden Valley at River Creek on March 11. Tee time is noon.