Young Dragon Golfers Show Promise; Break Record For One Match

From Staff Reports

Ste. Genevieve’s young girls golf team may be coming of age,

The Dragon golfers set a schol record by shooting a 189  against Farmington last week.

Lani Yamnitz led the team with a 46. Boston Williams followed witha 47, Etta Heller and Brooke Turner-48, Addie Taylor-50 and Regean Naeger-54

“Lani Yamnitz had a breakout round,” head coach Rachel McDaniel said. “I couldn’t tell how she was playing because every time I saw her and peeked at her score card, things seemed to be going well. However, when I talked to Lani, she was frustrated by missing short putts or mishitting a shot, basically being her own worst critic. I think she forgets she just starting playing this year. I’m excited to see what Lani cane bring to the team for the post season. “

McDaniel had praise for her other golfers, as well.

Boston Williams also had a fantastic round. She was striking the ball well off the tee and in the fairway, her short game was working for her, her mental game was tough. It was probably the most fun I’ve seen Boston have on the golf course. She’s another one that I look to do big things in the post season.

“Brooke Turner eagled her first hole of the day, the par-5 11th,” she said. “She holed out from about 100 yards and that just set her round in motion. I know she battled some in the middle of her round but she was another one who just had a lot of fun at today’s match. I’m hoping Brooke will make a good run at districts-she’s definitely due.

“Etta Heller was six inches short of a hole-in-on on the par-3, 10th hole-her 8th hole of the day. Etta has been our leading ball striker from day one-she just makes unbelievable contact with the ball. Her short game is catching up and it’s been a joy to watch her excel.

“Addie Taylor keeps dancing around breaking 50-she is just so close. Addie had another good round and her short game was on fire! I expect big things from her at districts this year.

“Regean Naeger has had a tough week but put it aside to have a great round of golf. She was relaxed, she was laughing, and she was enjoying the game-that’s what I like to see. I’m glad this is only her junior season as we will be looking to her, Etta, and Maggie (Myracle) to help lead this team next season.”

Maggie Myracle led the junior varsity with a 52.

“Maggie Myracle had a great round to end her season on the JV side. Maggie battle some little nuances in her swing all season but was able to finish her junior season on a high note. I’m looking for her senior season to be her best yet.”

“Mia Schweigert and Ava Meyer both had great rounds today. I know they weren’t satisfied and I’m glad for that-it gives us something to build on for next year. I’m hoping these two will step up next year as juniors and be forces on this team.

“Madison Vaeth and Sydney Eisenbeis also finished strong for the season. Both improved dramatically from the beginning of the season until now. Sydney worked hard at practice to better her game and it paid dividends for her all season. We will miss these two next year.

McDaniel thinks the team is just beginning to reach its potential.