The girls golf season starts this week. Here are previews of teams from around the Kane County Chronicle coverage area. <\/p>\n
Aurora Central Catholic<\/p>\n
Coach: Mark Schwartz<\/p>\n
Top returning players: Nora Schwartz, sr.<\/p>\n
Top new players: Amelia Vagnoni, fr.<\/p>\n
Worth noting: Schwartz last year became the first Aurora Central Catholic girls golfer to win a regular season tournament (the Stillman Valley Invite, with a score of 79) and became ACC\u2019s first regional champion with a score of 81. She went on to place fourth at sectionals and 29th at state, and was named all-conference in the GCAC.<\/p>\n
The Chargers have just two golfers this year, not a full team, but the two girls are ready to make waves, scheduled to compete in six 18-hole tournaments and many triangular matches.<\/p>\n
\u201cSenior Nora Schwartz will contend for a top-5 finish in the GCAC; additionally, she seeks to become the first golfer in ACC history to go downstate three times,\u201d coach Schwartz said. \u201cShe\u2019s a staunch competitor\u2014a three-sport athlete (golf, basketball, soccer) with great composure, power off the tee boxes, and a finely-tuned short game. Freshman Amelia Vagnoni\u2019s strength is her calm approach and her swing tempo. She will adjust nicely to the high school game and should place well in regionals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Batavia<\/a><\/p>\n Coach: Timothy Kauffmann<\/p>\n Top returning players: Avery Sheehan, sr.; Maddie Celing, sr.; Aubrey Reagan, sr.<\/p>\n Top new players: Reese Burns, jr.; Ellie Nichols, jr.<\/p>\n Worth noting: Batavia as a team took fourth at regionals last year and had one individual qualify for sectionals. That would be Sheehan, who this season is seeking to become a four-time sectional qualifier and punch her ticket to state. Celing was playing her best golf at the end of the last season and looks to be a solid No. 2. Reagan could be a key contributor while Burns and Nichols will be competing for the fourth score.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have lost three varsity members this year so a few new faces and scores will have to step up and contribute this year,\u201d Kauffmann said. \u201cWith five returning players we have a a solid core that will look to compete in conference and all around.\u201d<\/p>\n Geneva <\/a><\/p>\n Coach: Kevin O\u2019Brien<\/p>\n Top returning players: Peyton Theisen, sr.; Angie Dressen, so.<\/p>\n Top new players: Sadie Johnson, fr.; Gemma Steuart, fr.; Catelin Faith, fr.; Molly Tracey, fr.<\/p>\n Worth noting: O\u2019Brien said he has a very young team but hopes to be competitive in the DuKane Conference.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a talented group of freshmen and I am excited to see them compete this fall,\u201d O\u2019Brien said.<\/p>\n Rosary<\/a><\/p>\n Coach: Lauren Hoss<\/p>\n Top returning players: Lexie Henry, jr.; Lyla Franchesini, jr.; Isabella Kurkjian, sr.<\/p>\n Top new players: Jillian Becker, fr.<\/p>\n Worth noting: Rosary last season had the program\u2019s best postseason finish as a team since 2013. The Royals won a Class 1A regional title with a 385 at Marengo Ridge and took third at the sectional meet at Forest Hills Country Club to quality for state. Henry took second at regionals and 10th at sectionals, and made the cut for the second day at state, and leads five returning players. Franchesini dropped 3.5 strokes in her first varsity season and shot a season-low round at regionals. Kurkjian was Rosary\u2019s Most Improved Player last year.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a small program, we are always grateful and proud of the dedication our players show every day of the season,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cOur returning varsity and JV players have demonstrated that balancing the hard work, the successes, the defeats, and the fun that competitive golf offers is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n