McCann, Connors Aim For County Title

By B.J. PITZEN

LEDGER CORRESPONDENT

LAKE WALES | The girls Polk County high school golf tournament will be played today on Lekarica Golf Course's 2,606-yard, par 36 front nine beginning at 2 p.m.

 

Individually, Tenoroc junior Kayla Connors aims to revisit her freshman year's victorious performance. Connors holds a stroke average of 39.2 with a low nine-hole match score of 35 yesterday at Schalamar Creek.

 

"I've been practicing a lot throughout the season," said Connors. "I usually don't worry too much about them (my competitors). I try to stay focused on my own game."

 

Bartow sophomore Markie McCann looks to rely on her putter and experience in order to defend her county title from last season. Sidelined by tendonitis and traveling commitments during most of the month of September, McCann has re-dedicated herself to golf and is looking to perform well for the Yellow Jackets today. After shooting 81 at the Hawkins/Crutchfield Invitational in Sebring on Monday, Bartow's team leader hopes to improve for herself and her teammates.

 

"They've been nervous, but it won't be so bad at counties" McCann said. "I'll just try to play my own game and shoot the best that I can."

 

Yellow Jacket senior Catherine Pfieffer holds a stroke average of 45 and hopes to help her team break 180.

 

McKeel's Shelby Hart, who has a 44.2 nine-hole stroke average, aims to build on her continued improvement over the last three seasons. Wildcats coach Dennis Brown has turned his program around by leading his girls to a 7-3 record.

 

"Shelby took to the game real quickly" said Brown. "She averaged 55 her first year and 48 her second season, so she has continued to improve. Shelby has unlimited potential."

 

George Jenkins, led by Class-A LPGA professional and coach Suzanne Walker-Liljequist, has a 182 team average this season. The Eagles' low total of 175 for a nine hole match tops all known Polk-County team results.

 

Senior Linda Williams, who has a 44.25 nine-hole scoring average so far this season, is coming off of back-to-back first team All County picks ready to lead the Eagles to victory.

 

Sophomore Crislyn Lucas also holds a 44.25 nine-hole scoring average; Niki Jenkins maintains a 45.25 scoring average for the Eagles.

 

Frostproof looks to maximize on the opportunity of having home-course advantage. The Bulldogs are led by eighth-grader Madison Aldrich, who has a stroke average of 44 for nine holes.

 

"Maddie is definitely a player to be watched," Frostproof coach Joanne Merkle. "Her work ethic and enthusiasm inspires our team."