By Warren Rappleyea
With three sophomores on the roster and an influx of four freshmen, the future looks bright for Sayreville War Memorial High School’s girls golf team.
Last season, Bombers turned in a 6-10 record in their second campaign of varsity play, and coach Rich Bates is optimistic his team will be competitive this time around despite an 0-2 start.
“We’ve had a lot of interest, and our turnout this year is evidence of that,” the coach said. “I’m very excited about having girls who will be able to play for four years. That’s how strong teams are built.”
Sayreville returns one of the top golfers in the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) in co-captain Erin McQuade, who enters her third varsity season. McQuade is long off the tee — she already has a 265-yard drive to her credit this spring — and plays a strong all-around game. The senior, who averages in the low-40s for nine holes, is attracting interest from several college programs, Bates said.
Justina Stockunaite is the Bombers’ other captain. Another third-year varsity player, Stockunaite has continued to get better and is able to drive the ball well. An improved short game should get her scores into the mid-40s this season.
Bridget Quimby rounds out the senior contingent. Also a powerful player, Quimby chips well and generally puts her shots in good position.
A trio of sophomores will see plenty of actions for the Bombers. Left-hander Jessica Logline, who only began playing last year, has shown dedication on and off the course, and she works to better her game. Liliana Surgent, another lefty, is strong on the green and has shown an ability to adapt well to changing situations on the course. Victoria Balka has shown plenty of promise with a technically sound swing and good course management.
Kayla Anderson, Brianna Bates, Kayla McMahon and Isabella Martucci give the Blue and Gray a good freshman contingent. McMahon is averaging in the high-50s and has displayed a powerful swing. Brianna Bates owns a smooth swing, Anderson is strong on her chip shots and Martucci is good with pitches and wedges.
“The key thing for me is that all of our players are dedicated to the game and focused on getting better,” coach Bates said. “Right now, we’re a little inexperienced as a team, but the girls are absorbing all the knowledge that they can and I’m seeing the results every day. I think we’re building something special here.”
Sayreville will benefit from a week off since its April 11 loss to South Brunswick High School. The Bombers are set to return to action April 18 against Old Bridge High School. Two days later, J.P. Stevens High School will provide the opposition and on April 21, Sayreville will play Edison High School.
“We’re using the time to work on a few things and just get out on the course,” coach Bates said. “I think our team is going to surprise some people this season.”