The Rye girls’ golf team opened the season last week with big wins over Suffern, 264-303, and Scarsdale, 240-301.

 

 

By Melanie Cane

 

The Rye girls’ golf team opened the season last week with big wins over Suffern, 264-303, and Scarsdale, 240-301.

 

Against Suffern, Coach Rich Savage paired seasoned players with less experienced ones, including two who’d never played in a match before.

 

On Westchester Country Club’s par-36 course, team captain Jen Lee shot a 40, and her partner, sophomore newcomer Alexandra Ostan shot a 58. Sophomore Alex Hios shot a 41, and her partner, freshman Christiana Villanim, shot a 61.

 

Rye’s No. 3 player, freshman Frida Henningsson shot a 52, while guiding Lia Sporken, who shot a 72. Lee, Hios, and Henningsson placed first, second, and third, respectively, in the match.

 

Last year’s team finished with a 13-0 record, which is a high bar for this year’s team, but the players say they are up to the challenge.

 

Lee, a senior, thought the team played well, considering it was the first match of the season and that Westchester is a tough course.

 

“All the girls held their own, and those who had never played in a match before did a great job,” she said. “The first win bodes well for a successful season.”

 

Hios, a sophomore, and the only Rye player familiar with the Westchester course, said she was thrilled to have the team kick off the season with a win.

 

“I’ve been working all winter on improving my game and hope to compete at States again,” she said.

 

Coach Savage commended Lee for strong leadership, and Hios for providing a solid round for the team. He praised all his players for the way they adjusted to the demands of Westchester by improving their play as they progressed along the course.

 

“The girls gained confidence as the match progressed and hopefully we can continue to improve throughout the season,” Savage said.

 

Against Scarsdale, Lee scored a 37 and Hios a 42 also at Westchester Country Club.