LCC girls golf team aiming for State again

— Alan Dale Laurel Advocate

LAUREL — To say Laurel-Concord-Coleridge girls golf has high expectations, may be an understatement.

Head coach Christina Patefield enters her ninth season in charge of the program that finished third at the district meet and ended finishing 12th at State.

Throw in a season that included three tournament wins, three second-place results and two third-place finishes as a team along with several personal-best records and the Lady Bears had a memorable season during a much impactful year for a myriad of reasons.

Patefield returns four veterans from that squad, including seniors Sidney Groene and Hope Swanson and juniors Delaney Hall and Sarah Karnes, so optimism for 2021 is more than expected.

“I see this year’s team making it back to State,” Patefield said. “I am excited that we have nine returners this season and five new freshmen. I feel that my nine golfers will be very knowledgeable and encouraging for the new golfers. After an appearance at state this past year my returning golfers are very excited and motivated to return to state this year and they will bring that excitement and hunger to practice every day.

Swanson likes the ability that is evident throughout the roster and said the girls put in the work this offseason.

“They are ready for the season,” Swanson said. “We focused on our chipping and putting a lot because that’s where our game is. We hit at a range a little bit too.”

Swanson said she herself put in some walking when she could and most of the offseason was mostly about the players putting in the work themselves.

“I worked hard in the summer,” Swanson said. “I didn’t go to any camps, but I was at the course mainly working on my chipping and putting.

“A lot of people have to be dedicated to it and work on the things that they struggle with, even more. They have to push harder.”

Swanson said the Lady Bears are on the same page heading into the new campaign and she sees some good things happening when the curtain on the season comes down.

“I think we could make it to state again and be better off than last year,” Swanson said.

The Lady Bears begin the new season at 9 a.m. Aug. 20 at the West Point Beemer Invitational.

LCC Girls Golf Schedule

Aug. 20 West Point Beemer Invite, 9 a.m.

Aug. 24 LCC Triangular, 4 p.m.

Aug. 27 Wayne Invitational, 9 a.m.

Sept. 2 Stanton Invite, 9 a.m.

Sept. 11 Pierce Invite, 9 a.m

Sept. 14 Pender Dual @ LCC, 4 p.m.

Sept. 20 Hartington Cedar Invite, 9 a.m

Sept. 23 Wayne Invitational, 9:00 a.m.

Sept. 25 LCC Invite, 9:00 a.m