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Talent abounds in suburban league golf

With so many area teams returning a plethora of talent from last year, the girls golf season should be as competitive as ever.

The area's field is already aiming toward the second weekend of October, when Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center in Carbondale will host this year's Class AA state meet.

From the looks of it, the Northwest suburbs should be well represented at that meet.

Barrington, which took seventh as a team last year, lost just one member of that effort -- Nicole Simon (playing at Butler) -- to graduation. What's more is that the Fillies have swept the Mid-Suburban League for three years running.

With four standout seniors in Brittany Keiter, McCall Barsamian, Amanda Schmitz and Marina Karamanis along with upcoming sophomore talent Taylor Quinn, the Fillies have a lot of momentum from last year.

"This is the most experienced and tournament-tough group of five players I have ever been fortunate enough to coach," said Barrington coach Jodi Schoeck. "After going to state together, they made a huge commitment to work hard this summer and hone their skills to prepare for their final season as Barrington golfers."

Still, Barrington figures to have plenty of competition in the MSL West.

Conant sophomore Kris Yoo qualified for sectionals as a freshman. She is joined by returning teammates Pam Wawrzyniak and Heather Nyc. Behind Yoo's record-setting 1-under-par 69, the Cougars took fourth at their own Early Bird tournament last Monday.

"We are a young team," said Cougars coach Diana Johannesen. "We're looking forward to pulling together as a team and improving our golf game."

Fremd is back under the leadership of Rob Higgins after a five-year hiatus.

Coming back for the Vikings are Claudia Schwan, Kelly Voigt and Lauren Critchfield. Fremd lost several players to graduation, including Hanna Lee.

"I'm really looking forward to working with an enthusiastic and energetic group of young ladies," Higgins said. "(Our goal) as always (is) to improve our fundamentals and appreciation for golf. In addition, we want to have lots of fun."

Across town, Palatine is just as enthusiastic with Amy Vojta, Shannon Eliasek and Rebecka Schmidt. Kelsey Heidkamp, a 2006 standout, graduated.

"We have a very young varsity team," said Palatine coach Bill Ludwigsen. "Amy Vojta and Shannon Eliasek (both juniors) have been on the varsity team since their freshman year. Our goal is to improve our technique and scores each time we play."

Alaine Coleman, Tiffany Ehardt and Julie Cho bring back their experience for Hoffman Estates. A strong base of newcomers join the Hawks.

"The returning girls should be competitive," said coach Fred Bryant. "The new girls are inexperienced and will improve as season goes forward."

Schaumburg enters 2007 without last year's senior standout Jessica Berens. But with Hillary Dietz, Taylor Kosla, Katie Wilson and Heather Gustafson returning, the Saxons still have experience. They also have strong newcomers in Britany Leiber, Sarah Russell and Melissa Anderson.

"Every year we've improved. The goal is the same: to keep getting better," said Schaumburg coach Jim Koller. "(If) everyone lowers their average, (we) will lower our team average. We're looking good. We're very consistent. We're all right there. We don't have a clear-cut No. 1 but we have four people that could be our No. 1."

On the East side of the MSL, the talent pool is just as deep.

Despite sending Michelle Caporusso to Michigan State, Prospect returns a strong team. To prove it, the Knights have already set two school records in the first week.

All five returning members of last year's 12-2 team -- Melanie Walsh, Marietta Smith, Michelle Lawless, Alexa Campanile and Megan Geraghty -- finished top 10 at Prospect's invite.

"We have a lot of depth and girls that love the game. It is going to be a great year," said Prospect coach Jim Hamann. "We hope to be very competitive in the conference."

Although Hersey lost two to graduation -- Sherrie Dubinski and Kelly Snodgrass -- the Huskies still have plenty of options. Sarah Dubinski, Kristen Gierman, Julie Klawitter and Catherine Park are among nine experienced Huskies. They also have added freshman Megan Rogowski for good measure.

"Optimism is the word this season," said Hersey coach Sue Hardey. "We have some very capable players returning, as well as (Rogowski). If the girls play consistently up to their ability and play smart, we should be more competitive in conference this year."

Rolling Meadows was 12-5 last season and was fourth in conference. This season, the Mustangs will have a new face -- a Grenadier to be exact.

This season, Meadows and Elk Grove are now a co-op and Grenadier freshman Mia Kaim joins the team.

"This is a great opportunity for Elk Grove girls to play golf," said Meadows co-op coach Dan Rymarz.

Despite losing Becca Dohn and Jenna Stewart to graduation, the Mustangs return Amanda Coleman, Megan Baumgartner, Shannon Leon and Melissa Greenwood.

"The loss of Rebecca and Jenna through graduation is huge -- they were our 1-2 punch," Rymarz said. "As a result we won't have the depth we had last year.

"However, with four returning starters, we can hopefully maintain our position in conference. We're going to need some help from the bottom end of the lineup to accomplish this. I'm looking forward to a nice solid season out of the kids."

Wheeling also graduated two standouts in Jen Czaja and Kristen Klimas. On the other hand, the Wildcats do have Ashley Lepcin, Christina Barrera, Kim Star and Laura McInally.

"It is a tough blow to the team to lose Jen and Kristen, not only will their scores be missed but they are great kids, good leaders and loved golf," said coach Peggy Ellsworth. "We will not be a powerhouse but hope to be competitive in all of our matches."

Buffalo Grove has a lot of talent on board in Nicole Hartmann, Maggie Stoltz, Kayla Smith, Dayna George and Debbie Ghim. The Bison are without graduates Amanda Knepp and Lisa Raupp.

"I am looking forward to an ambitious young group that wants to compete, learn and have fun," said BG coach Pete Duffer. "I always tell the girls that they can golf for the rest of their lives and that right now is the worst they will ever be."

St. Viator should be tough in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.

The Lions, who were 12-4 last season, boast the returning talent of Kaela Klune, Abby Dickey, Katie Hastings and Katheryn Ruth. Better still are some bright additions in Haily Hayworth, Hallie Dunn and Katie Sullivan.

"I think we're going to be solid contenders. Top 2-3 in conference," said St. Viator coach Mick Drewes. "Our goal is to do whatever it takes to get out of the sectionals. We have to keep getting better."

Maine West has had a good start this season thanks to veterans Chelsea Kellogg, Becca Candra, Michelle Braun and Jordan Kalaher. Courtney Insolia also joins the Warriors.

"It's been a smooth transition into the season," said Maine West coach John Hauenstein, whose team had a productive summer. "We want to be competitive every time we go out and play.

"We want to provide solid competition to those upper echelon teams. We have a great group of girls. They have a great attitude. We're looking forward to the season."

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