By: Rich Fisher
In the first month of the season, the South Brunswick High girls golf team has gotten a chance to tour the state and witness a unique occurrence along the way.
The Vikings carry a 1-2 record into today’s (Thursday’s) match at Peddie, having defeated Steinert at Miry Run Golf Course on April 14, before losing road matches to Oakcrest last Friday and Moorestown on Monday.
The season opener, in which Brittany Boyd shot 51 and Kerri Tracy had a 53 to lead the way, was memorable for a reason other than winning. A one-seat plane, taking off from the airport that sits right next to 17th fairway, was sitting on the green after crashing.
"We saw it on our way out, but we didn’t hear anything," coach Jaymee Boehmer said. "I guess he jumped the runway and hit a tree."
After that eventful afternoon, weather kept the Vikings idle for 11 days before returning to action at the Blue Heron Pines in Atlantic City on Friday.
Despite dropping a 208-202 decision to Oakcrest, the Vikings got state qualifying scores from Boyd (47) and Tracy (48). Danielle Eige added a 56, Katie Petrikonis shot a 57 and Connie Chen’s 60 was dropped.
Monday’s trip to the Moorestown Field Club produced a 230-192 setback to a talented Moorestown club. Boyd shot a 50, followed by Tracy (55), Petrikonis and Chen (62 each). Eige’s 63 was dropped.
"The last two teams we played were very good, but I think it’s better for us to play against teams like that," Boehmer said. "I’m hoping they rise to the occasion against better competition.
"It’s different when you play against kids who play very well; and how you handle it. That’s what we need to work on. We handled it great against Oakcrest but we had a tough time at Moorestown. That was a hard course with a lot of rough."
But Boehmer is not worried about team results as much as individuals.
"We’re just trying to get ready for the counties and the states," she said. "The season is geared for them to get their personal bests."
Boyd has four of the necessary five qualifying scores for the state tournament while Tracy has three. The cutoff for individual qualifying is May 14.
Meanwhile, the traveling show continues today at Peddie, but the Vikings finally have a home match at Bunker Hill Friday against Moorestown Friday. Then its back on the road against Southern at Ocean Acres in Manahawkin on Monday.
"Friday will be nice," Boehmer said. "It will be nice to be on a course we’re familiar with, finally."

