They spent the offseason working hard to improve on last year’s finish, said Braves coach Ken Brust.
“It was a real comeuppance because of the success we’ve had over the years,” he said. “We were together every week for about six weeks going to the range and working on the putting greens at Reid (Park Golf Course).”
The Braves return Isabella DeMayo, a three-time district qualifier who finished third in the Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division Tournament. She shot 87 last year in the Division II sectional tournament to advance to the districts as an individual at WGC in Xenia. She tied for 22nd at the D-II district tournament at PipeStone Golf Club in Miamisburg with a 94.
The senior spent the summer working on her short game to increase scoring this fall.
“She can hit the ball pretty long, but sometimes she’s in a lot of trouble,” Brust said. “She’s finally buying into some things on the short game.”
The Braves also return senior Maleah Tucker and juniors Anyla Wilson, Mya Benson and Clara Thompson. Newcomer junior Hannah Messinger and freshman Emily Messinger may also see time in the starting lineup.
The team got a late start this season due to COVID-19. When Clark County was designated Level 3 by the state, the Shawnee school district halted all athletics until the restriction was lifted Aug. 3. They practiced twice before playing tournaments on Aug. 5 and 6.
“More than anything else, I’m glad we’re playing after everything that’s happened and is still happening.”
The season has also been in flux with scheduling the last few weeks as some leagues have moved to conference-only play this fall. The CBC decided last week to continue to play opponents outside of their conference last week.
“That whole thing has been up in the air for a couple weeks,” Brust said. “I hope we have a full schedule soon.”
The Braves hope to continue to improve to have a chance to advance to the D-II districts at the end of the season.
“We want to play much better than we did last year,” Brust said. “We know that we’re not where we need to be to take back the CBC, but we know we can be competitive by the end of the year in the sectionals.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Isabella DeMayo, Shawnee: The senior advanced to the Division II district tournament and finished third in the CBC Kenton Trail tournament, earning first team honors.
Lyndsey Back, Tecumseh: The senior shot an 88 at last year’s D-I sectional and was a second team All-CBC Kenton Trail Division selection.
Mazie Reece, Mechanicsburg: The senior was runner-up at the OHC Tournament last fall and won a playoff to advance to the D-II District Tournament.
Hope Manning, Southeastern: The sophomore shot a 40 earlier this season in a victory against Shawnee.
Rachel Strickle, Greeneview: The senior placed third at the OHC Tournament and advanced to the D-II District Tournament.
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