Girls golf: Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Central Catholic ChargersCoach: Stephanie DeKing

Top returning golfers: Junior Kaitlyn Alicz, sophomores Magie Gaspardo, Holly Honningford

Key newcomers: Freshman Josie Alm

Outlook: DeKing, who played at Waubonsie Valley and coached at The First Tee of Aurora and Fox River Valley, is stressing the importance of the short game out of the gates this season. "I'm a firm believer that if you don't have a solid short game then your scores will be sporadic and inconsistent," she said. "A good short game can save you. That being said, the girls will be working on their short game a lot and I think that will be a strength of our team as a whole as well as each girls' individual game." DeKing lauded the team's demeanor. "Everyone has a really great attitude toward the sport and each other," she said. "They are constantly asking for assistance and their drive to improve definitely is strong." DeKing is looking for big things from Alicz, the team's oldest player. "Kaitlyn is our oldest and most experienced player," she said. "I think she is going to bring a great element to the team. She has a great natural swing and with one minor adjustment to her swing at practice the other day, ball after ball was dead-on accurate. She's great at consistency and mentally overcoming the game." DeKing also is making sure her players are focused on the task at hand. "As of now, I'd like to focus the season match by match," she said. "With golf being such a mental game, I want the girls to focus on improving their own game match to match and each time setting a goal on an aspect of their game they want to improve upon for the next time. An example would be taking some three putts and making them two putts or keeping their ball in play and on the fairway as much as possible." Ultimately, DeKing wants her players to have the best high-school golf experience possible. "Some of my favorite memories from high school revolve around my personal accomplishments with the game as well as the great camaraderie that was created through the environment my coaches created for us. I hope to help our girls reach their potential as well as create memories that will last a lifetime."

Bartlett-Streamwood-South Elgin co-opCoach: Bret Anderson

2015 finish: 4-8 overall (6th place Upstate Eight)

Top returning golfers: Seniors Brynn Warrick (South Elgin), Teagan Pompa (South Elgin), Molly Mehta (South Elgin), junior Linsey Toondarack (South Elgin)

Key newcomers: Sophomores Chole Crosby (South Elgin), Jennifer Olah (Bartlett)

Outlook: The Bartlett-Streamwood-South Elgin triumvirate has experience returning. Warrick finished tied for 71st in the state last year and is a two-time sectional qualifier, while Pompa was an all-conference pick last year and also qualified for the sectional. Anderson noted the three seniors (Warrick, Pompa and Mehta) have been on the golf team for four years. "We have upper class leadership," said Anderson, whose team won the Wildcat Open last year. Anderson said continuity also will help the team. "This is my third season as coach. I am very familiar with each golfer's strengths and weaknesses," he said. "It's a small, dedicated team. We have seven girls total between varsity and junior varsity, which means at practice I can allocate more time to each golfer." Anderson also likes the makeup of this year's group. "My favorite part is their personalities," he said. "Golf is an extremely difficult and frustrating sport. You have to stay positive and upbeat, even when playing poorly or getting unlucky breaks," he said. "It's more enjoyable to coach positive, happy-go-lucky-type players." Anderson feels his team will be competitive in the Upstate Eight Conference. "We should be competitive in most dual meets and I like our chances to finish in the top half at the conference tournament and maybe even threaten a Top 3 finish," said Anderson, who pegged St. Charles North as a favorite to win the UEC.

Batavia BulldogsCoach: Tim Kauffmann

2015 finish: 4th place Upstate Eight

Top returning golfers: Senior Francesca Hoffman, Sam Bauman, juniors Madi McCoy, Kaitlyn Stangl, Sammi Wicks, sophomore Sammi Hasemann.

Key newcomers: Junior Becci Smith, sophomore Cassie Norville

Outlook: Batavia graduated only 2 seniors from last year's squad. "We are still relatively young, but we are experienced," said Kauffmann. "These girls are resilient. They don't let a bad round or a bad shot get the best of them." Kauffmann added that depth will be on the Bulldogs' side this season. "Our Top 4 are interchangeable," he said. "They all shoot around the same score on any given day. Even our 6, 7 and 8 golfers are not too far behind. If someone in that Top 4 has a bad day, we still have scores that will be competitive regardless of where we go." Kauffmann sees another competitive year inside the Upstate Eight Conference. "St. Charles East, St. Charles North and Geneva will be competing with each other and with us. St. Charles North is very tough with a lot of scratch golfers. St. Charles East is returning all if not most of their team and Geneva will be very competitive. The conference is very deep."

Burlington Central RocketsCoach: Kyle Nelson

2015 finish: 8-2 (5-0 Big Northern Conference). Won conference-regular season title, finished second in BNC tournament.

Top returning golfers: Senior Kendra Graham, junior Carli Niesel, sophomores Sydney Killeen, Brianna Benjamin

Outlook: Central, after turning in a strong showing last year in its final season in the Big Northern Conference, begins its first campaign in the Kishwaukee River Conference. "We're not sure what to expect out of the new conference," said Nelson, who noted Richmond-Burton should be among the competitive teams. Nelson sees this year's group gaining momentum as the season goes along. "We have a very dedicated and hardworking team that loves golf," he said. "They are a pleasure to work with every day. My goal is to have them better at the end of the season than they are at the beginning."

Dundee-Crown ChargersCoaches: Laurie Herb and Emma Ageneau

2015 finish: 5-6 overall, 2-4 Fox Valley Conference

Top golfers: Senior Micki Frey, sophomores Hannah Gestrich, Alyssa Trebat

Outlook: Frey and sophomores Gestrich and Trebat all average within three strokes of each other and will look to lead the Charges this season. "We are a good mixture of veteran talent and young players who will contribute greatly to our success this season," said Herb. "We are excited to build on the victories we had last year and look forward to continuing to be more competitive." D-C opened the season with a 15-stroke victory over St. Edward. In that match, Trebat was team medalist with a 48, while Gestrich shot a 51.

Crystal Lake co-opCoach: Kyle McCaughn

2015 finish: 7-0 (6-0 Fox Valley Conference); Regular-season and conference tournament champions.

Top returning golfers: Senior Julie Newton (Crystal Lake South), junior Rylie Bevill (Crystal Lake Central), sophomore Kathryn Bevill (Crystal Lake Central)

Key newcomers: Sophomore Arden Podpora (Crystal Lake Central), freshman Molly Lyne (Cary-Grove)

Outlook: The District 155 co-op team is coming off another stellar season where it won the FVC title and also placed in the Top 3 in five tournaments. McCaughn, the former girls basketball coach at Crystal Lake South, points to team chemistry and his players' enthusiasm for the sport as key strengths. "This group is comprised of wonderful young student-athletes," he said. "Through tryouts they have shown a true willingness to work on their game and team chemistry." McCaughn has high hopes for this year's group. "I would like to think we will be very competitive in the conference once again this year," he said. "I am very excited to start the season and am so looking forward to working with these young student-athletes."

Geneva VikingsCoach: Doug Ross

2015 finish: 8-2, 6-2 Upstate Eight Conference

Top returning golfers: Seniors Kendal Fioresi, Katherine Flatt, Jasey Segebrecht, junior Darby Lillibridge

Key newcomers: Freshman Avery Frick

Outlook: Lillibridge was the team MVP last year and along with Fioresi were all-conference selections. Both are drawing college interest. "We are going to stress teamwork and continue toward achieving team goals of improving our position at the conference tournament and working toward qualifying the team to state," said Ross, who added another key is how his players build off each other's strengths. Ross noted Lillibridge continues to turn in impressive rounds, while Fioresi continues to display an "incredible work ethic. It's going to pay off big this year." Geneva shot a 172 in its season-opener against West Chicago. Lillibridge shot a team-low 38 and Fioresi had a 41. "As always we look to set important goals at the beginning of the season," said Ross. "Our team bond is strong and it will help propel us to success if we keep fighting for one another and always remember the team comes first. All our girls want to win and many of them have been working hard in the off-season to help contribute more during the season."

Huntley Red RaidersCoach: Ann Christiansen

2015 finish: Second-place Fox Valley Conference

Top returning golfers: Seniors Nicole Gordus, Caroline Georgi, Molly Danca, juniors Katie Weidner, Maggie Matustik, McKenzie Krich

Key newcomers: Freshmen Katie Matustik, Gianna Nardulli, Taylor Stephenson

Outlook: The Red Raiders return a good portion of last year's team that placed second in the FVC. "The girls are ready to compete this year," said Christiansen. Georgi was active during the summer season, winning the McHenry County Junior Golf Association Tournament of Champions and tying for first in the MCJGA player of the year standings. Gordus and Weidner also played in summer tournaments. A key for the Red Raiders will be finding a consistent fourth score. "We have a top three with Caroline, Katie and Nicole that shoots very well," said Christiansen. "We're looking for a strong fourth." Christiansen also is excited about the trio of freshmen in Katie Matustik, Nardulli and Stephenson. "They have great potential," she said. Huntley also has its eye on another strong conference finish. "Crystal Lake Central (the District 155 co-op) has monopolized things the last six years," said Christiansen. "But we have girls who can compete."

Hampshire Whip-PursCoach: Sue Ellett

2015 finish: Did not compete (co-op with Jacobs)

Top returning golfers: Senior Rachel Dumoulin, junior Sydney Marcuccilli, sophomores Jade Swanson, Mackenize Opat, Grace Fuller.

Key newcomers: Junior Kiele Moraska, sophomores Alyson Johnson, Tanvi Sangam, Alyssa Tirado, freshmen Gianna Farinella, Grace Gagliano-Campbell, Alexis Konajeski, Delaney Marcuccilli.

Outlook: Hampshire did not compete as an individual team last year (co-oped with Jacobs), but returns this year with a full team. Ellett said short-game improvement, consistent ball striking, eliminating penalty strokes and getting putts per 9 holes down to under 18 will be keys this season. "We hope to improve on each player's stroke average by October," she said. "We have extremely polite young ladies who are eager to improve their golf skills. The players are working well together and seeing improvement in their swings." Ellett lauded the efforts of Sydney Marcuccilli in the early going. "Sydney has excellent leadership qualities, an athletic swing and is willing to learn new shots," said Ellett, who added the team is building toward October and beyond. "We are very young with solid leadership from our returning players," she noted. "We are working hard on improving our short game and consistent ball striking. We definitely will be a better team come October through hard work at practice. We are in a rebuilding mode for the future as our inexperienced team learns the game of golf."

Jacobs Golden EaglesCoach: Megan Placko

2015 finish: 4-1 Fox Valley Conference (Second-place regular season, third overall)

Top returning golfers: Seniors Stephanie Fiorentino, Jennifer LeGear, Nicole Durben, Carly Sidor, Hayley Masching

Key newcomers: Freshmen Roslyn Leitner, Lauren Kempf

Outlook: Jacobs has five returning seniors off last year's third-place conference finisher, headlined by Fiorentino, who finished third at the FVC tournament. "We have five returning seniors and two new freshmen that have a great work ethic," said Placko. "I am hopeful that they will be contributing to the team right away. We have a great group of girls. They all want to work hard and improve their games." Placko added motivation is high for the senior group. "Our five seniors should be fun to watch," she said. "It's their last year and I know they all are looking to finish on a high note. The girls are hoping to work hard and finish on top of the conference standings. This should be our most successful season yet. The senior girls have been working hard for 4 years and I know they will be pushing hard all season for the conference title."

Rosary RoyalsCoach: Joe Hughes

2015 finish: 3-2 (5th place at GCAC tournament)

Top returning golfers: Seniors Natalie McKee, Emily Emerson, junior Catherine Oros, Gabby deGuzman, sophomore Sarah Borish

Key newcomers: Freshmen Chloe Saltijeral, Ella Radeztsky

Outlook: A love for the game and a great team atmosphere have Hughes optimistic about the 2016 season. "This is a team that truly enjoys the game of golf," he said. "They have great attitudes and are very positive and they get along great. We have a nice mix of experienced players and players who are new to the game. It creates a nice dynamic that lends itself to a great team atmosphere where everyone is engaged and helping each other to become the best team we can be." McKee and Oros, in particular, have shown improvements in the early going. "Natalie's game has been rapidly improving over the past year," said Hughes. "She has become much more confident on the course and she has a great outlook on the game. She doesn't get rattled or upset when bad things happen. She stays positive and keeps working hard to be the best she can be. Cathierne has been playing only for a couple years, but already her game has taken off. She has taken more than 10 strokes off her 9-hole scores in just under a year. She is a hard worker who will only continue to improve." Oros led Rosary with a 49 in a dual-meet against Downers Grove South on the road. Oros also shot a team-best 91 at the Plainfield North invitational at Whitetail Ridge. McKee was the team's medalist in a recent tri-match with Providence and St. Francis at Blackberry Oaks. Hughes noted the GCAC will again be loaded with top teams. "We are in a very tough conference," he said. "We finished fifth last year and hope to be just as competitive this year. With a lot of hard work we can make that happen."

St. Edward Green WaveCoach: Chris Jones

Top returning golfers: Juniors Jordan Mattas, Katie Maloney, sophomore Brianalynne Schreurs

Key newcomers: Junior Isabela Palacios, sophomore Jennifer Lipinski, freshmen Graciana Matsas, Sara Pottorff

Outlook: Jones is the school's music director and also an avid golfer. He inherits a roster of seven, led by Mattas, who qualified for state last year. "We have three strong returning players and four eager and dedicated newcomers," he said. "All seven are looking forward to a fun season. These girls are tough and they have awesome and positive attitudes. In the game of golf, I think that's a perfect combination." St. Edward played Dundee-Crown in a recent dual meet where Mattas was the meet medalist with a 42. "We are looking forward to a good season," said Jones. "We are hoping to put together some competitive rounds and continue to grow as individual players and as a team. I am excited to start the season with this great group of young ladies. There is a lot of talent and dedication in this group and that is all a coach can ask for."

St. Charles East SaintsCoach: Rod Osborne

2015 finish: 12-3, 8-1 (Upstate Eight); Second place UEC, ninth in the state

Top returning golfers: Seniors Rose Bundy, Kacie Gaffney, Breanna Sheehan, juniors Nicole Jordan, Riley Sullivan, Grace Westerhoff

Outlook: The Saints are again loaded with quality golf talent. "Our strength will be the depth of the team," said Osborne. "Our 1-8 players are capable of scoring from the high 30s to the mid 40s." It also doesn't hurt to have a good atmosphere around the team. "Our team chemistry is great," said Osborne. "They enjoy competitive practices and have a great desire to be the best they can be." Bundy and Jordan have been the team's 1-2 golfers the last two years. "Grace and Breanna have improved greatly from last year and Riley is solid and consistent," said Osborne. "With such great depth, I'm not sure who will surprise me the most this season." The coach said his squad, along with St. Charles North, Batavia and Geneva will be top contenders for the UEC crown. "We look to keep improving each week, especially with course management. We want to save our best performances for last."

St. Charles North North StarsCoach: Irish Whalen

2015 finish: 8-1, 8-0 (Upstate Eight); Conference, regional, sectional champions, fourth-place at state

Top returning golfers: Seniors Kate Lillie, Gianna Furrie, Reagan Stanton, sophomores Meghan Furtney, Emma Hayes, Sarah Arnold

Key newcomers: Sophomore Katelyn David

Outlook: The North Stars have talent throughout the lineup. "Our strength comes from experience," said Whalen. "We are a young team, but six of our seven varsity members played at the state tournament last fall (where North took fourth). We are very excited to see how the season plays out. Furtney (37.5 average for nine), had 9 Top 10 finishes in 18-hole competitions last year and finished fifth in the state last year. "Megan is the all-around golfer. She knows her game very well," said Whalen. Lillie (38.4 average) won the UEC individual title and an individual regional crown. She has committed to Minnesota. "I'm excited to see Kate's senior leadership throughout the season," said Whalen. "She has a lot of insight which can benefit our younger players." Furrie averaged 39.2 last year and had 6 Top 10 finishes in 18-hole events, while Hayes counted as the North Stars' fourth score in every meet last season. "I know Emma wanted to go lower, but this was an incredible achievement for a freshman," Whalen pointed out. "She is so consistent." With the amount of experience and talent, Whalen is looking forward to another stellar campaign. "They have the drive," said Whalen. "All the girls are competitors. Even if we are playing an up and down game during practice, they will stay late to finish the tie. These ladies invest a lot into our off-season and it truly pays off. I am very happy with their dedication. I also enjoy their sense of humor. We have a lot of fun together. We are looking forward to this season."

West Aurora BlackhawksCoach: Chris Soulsby

2015 finish: 6-8 overall

Top golfers: Seniors Sam Hall, Maddie Bozik, junior Diana Padilla, sophomore Annie Wu

Outlook: The Blackhawks missed qualifying as a team for sectionals last season by a single stroke and ended up sending four individuals to the sectional round. Hall is a two-time sectional qualifier. West Aurora was hit hard by graduation with nine seniors departing the program. "Those 9 seniors graduating has left a void," said Soulsby. "We have a large ninth-grade class (15 freshmen) that is inexperienced. Our team needs to learn the game and improve individually. In a year or two we should field a strong team. This year there are a couple individuals looking to turn the corner." Soulsby has high hopes for Hall to return to the sectional and possibly beyond in her final season.