Thompson, Andersen return to lead Holyoke golfers

Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, but the Holyoke girls golf team is working hard to prepare for their season.
As is typical for spring sports, it’s been tough for the team to get outside.
Head Coach Nick Flaa said Holyoke has been practicing for three weeks and has only had three legitimate practice sessions outside.
“We’ve been stuck inside hitting into the net, hitting Nerf balls across the gym and rolling golf balls throughout the high school halls. Golf is meant to be played outside and I’m optimistic the weather is going to cooperate going forward,” Flaa said.
Senior golfers Emma Thompson and Erin Andersen will look to return to the state golf championships for the third time this year.
Also returning to the Holyoke golf team are senior Jimena Nuñez and junior Megan Walker.
Flaa said the group is the Dragons’ strength, with Thompson and Andersen’s state experience also contributing.
“Emma and Erin have an opportunity to be three-time state qualifiers, which no Lady Dragon golfer has accomplished,” Flaa added.
The Dragons also have six freshmen on the squad, Rozi Crossland, Emma Henry, Marely Favela, Roslynne Doorn, Gracelyn Bahnsen and Hagan Gatton-Pollock.
Flaa said it will be interesting to see who can “figure it out” the quickest.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing who can step up to fill the #3 and #4 spots on the varsity roster. I have four girls that could be jockeying for these positions all season long and could have several combinations throughout the season. We will try and let the numbers tell the tale as we select who gets the nod,” Flaa said.
Out of all the years Flaa and Assistant Coach Marcia Dalton have worked together, this is the slowest start to a year they’ve had.
“We did make some good progress inside as far as some basic fundamentals and learning some nuances of the game, however, it’s just not the same as being outside,” Flaa continued.

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