Holyoke defends home turf

The Holyoke girls golf team did what was expected of them at last Tuesday’s home invite. The Dragons defended their home turf with a six-shot team victory over Wray.

Holyoke and Wray were clearly the best teams on the course, with everyone else finishing at least 26 strokes back.

Emma Thompson completed the title sweep with the individual win. Thompson won by three strokes over Macie Doherty of Sterling, 90-93. Akron’s Kendall Velder shot 94 and placed third.

Head Coach Nick Flaa said it was a three-man race coming down the stretch. Velder was in control through the nine-hole, but struggled to hold off Thompson and Doherty over the final six holes.

“Emma had a slight edge heading into her final 9 over Macie and was able to maintain that separation capping off a back 9 score of 43 to claim the individual crown,” Flaa said, adding Thompson really played some solid golf, especially on her back 9. 

“But it was just one of those days where anything beyond five foot struggled to find the bottom of the cup. She gave herself many opportunities and that’s really all you can ask for, she stayed patient after a sluggish start and it paid off in the end,” Flaa continued. 

Erin Andersen battled through some mid-round hurdles to take fifth with a score of 103.

“Erin hit a couple bumps making the turn on 9 and 10, and could’ve let the round get away from her, but she managed to persevere and find a way,” Flaa said.

Flaa was complimentary of his two seniors.

“Erin and Emma both have a gained a wealth of knowledge over the last couple years being two-time state qualifiers and have really learned how to manage their emotions and their games, even when things are not bouncing their way,” Flaa said.

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