Mehlville girls’ golf head coach Alyssa Stock says a group of new players will learn the game and show continuous improvement this year. Photo by Jessica Belle Kramer. 

By Bill Hester
For the Call

Mehlville High School varsity girls’ golf coach Alyssa Stock is impressed with the energy level of her very young Panther team, despite results that might not be up to par with other schools in the area.

Mehlville’s golf team struggled last season. The Panthers had only one player finish in the top 50 at the sectional meet, with departing senior Tiffany Hagemann placing 39th, and did not have any state qualifiers.

Despite losing six seniors, the numbers are actually up at Mehlville. The Panthers have six freshmen and two seniors who are playing for the first time.

“For the first time in a long time we have both a varsity and junior varsity team this season,” Stock said. “We are very young, but the girls are very eager to learn the game. I hope they learn to enjoy the game and have the same passion I have for golf.”

The Panthers do not have the luxury of having “country-club”-type players who have played the game for a long time. Many are picking up a club for the first time.

“There is so much to teach,” Stock said. “It is new for them, and they are excited. They learn something new every day.”

Senior Lauren Doty and sophomore Melissa Hagemann are the only two players who return from the varsity team last year. Grace Mungle and Jaala Louvierre are seniors who have come out for the first time this fall.

Senior Alyssa Bradley and sophomores Kayla Fritsche and Emma Wachsnicht return to round out this year’s varsity team.

Stock has realistic goals for the team this season.

“The biggest thing I am looking for is continued improvement throughout the season,” Stock said. “Learning the game right now is more important than the score.”

The Panthers open the 2018 season Aug. 30 at Quail Creek against Oakville.