Girls golf: Scouting the Fox Valley

Bartlett-South Elgin-Streamwood Co-op

Coach: Amber Huisinga

2012 finish: 10th place Upstate Eight Conference

Top returning golfers: Seniors Rachel Iacopetti (Bartlett), Kristi Struck (South Elgin), junior Katie Kirkby (South Elgin)

Key newcomers: Freshmen Brynn Warrick (South Elgin), Tegan Pompa (South Elgin)

Outlook: The Bartlett-South Elgin-Streamwood co-op has almost doubled in size from a year ago, going from seven to 13 golfers, which is a program high. “Several of the girls are new to golf, but show dedication and willingness to learn,” said Huisinga. “The returning players have worked on their games over the summer and are excited to improve this season.” Huisinga has been impressed with the team’s chemistry. “All the returning players have become good friends, which has created a very close-knit group,” she said. “The girls support each other and help me by helping each other. They already have started to make connections with the new girls as well.” Warrick has impressed early on this season. Huisinga sees improvement on the horizon for this group. “I think we definitely will have an improved team this year,” she said. “This will be a building year, but we expect to be ready for the conference tournament.”

Burlington Central Rockets

Coach: Deb Twenhafel

2012 finish: Fourth place Big Northern Conference

Top returning golfers: Seniors Jenna Kurosky, Paige Shockey, juniors AlisonColby, Alyssa Mish, Haleigh Graham, sophomores Josie Kurosky, Sophie Johnson and Emily Westergaard.

Key newcomers: Sophomore Mealine Croke, freshmen Emma Pironni, Kendra Graham.

Outlook: Central returns key talents in Jenna and Josie Kurosky. Jenna was a state-qualifier last year, while Josie missed a state trip by 4 strokes.Twenhafel is high on the potential for this year’s group. “The girls are looking good,” she said. “I feel the girls have a good chance of winning conference.” Twenhafel noted Mish, Colby, Graham and Shockey have worked on their games and are showing improvements, while Johnson and Westergaard are promising underclassmen. Croke is out for the first time, but has golf experience. Jenna Kurosky recently placed second after shooting 1-under at the Huntley invitational.

Crystal Lake Co-op

Coach: Kathy Speaker

2012 finish: Fox Valley Conference and sectional champions; 9th in state

Top returning golfers: Seniors Lexi Harkins (Crystal Lake Central), Bailey Bostler (Crystal Lake South), Brianna DiGrazia (Crystal Lake South), Alex Siavelis (Crystal Lake South), juniors Larisa Luloff (Cary-Grove), Emily Jean (Cary-Grove)

Outlook: The Crystal Lake co-op team is poised to make another run with the return of all-conference performers Bostler, DiGrazia, Siavelis, Luloff andJean. Oh, and two-time Top 5 state finisher Lexi Harkins is back after not playing on the team last year. Harkins was fourth in the state freshman year and third sophomore year. The North Carolina signee was a Top 16 finisher in the USGA Women’s Amateur. “The girls are committed to the game,” said Speaker. “They’ve worked so hard over the summer playing or practicing almost every day. We’d like to win the county and conference tournaments and would really like to return to the state tournament.”

Dundee-Crown Chargers

Coaches: Laurie Herb, Robin Jeffers

Top returning golfers: Kylie Kost, Caroline Hutton, Brooke Hayes, Maddie Hunsberger, Maggie Ahern, Morgan Howe, Andrea Gaudreault, Daniyel Carpenter

Key newcomers: Miki Fray, Marja Bethold, Amanda Smith, Leah Anderson