Both Pennridge’s and Quakertown’s golf teams recently began their seasons with a common goal in mind – develop some depth and continuity.
In a short season, both teams believe it can be the key to help them extend their year in the Suburban One League.
“We had a large turnout this season, which can help us with our overall numbers,” said Pennridge head coach Steve Yurchak. “Our league is always very difficult, and we have to battle in every match.”
In their match with Quakertown at Indian Valley Country Club, the Rams posted an impressive 214-248 victory over the Panthers.
Pennridge’s Brendan Bauer carted a match-low 39 followed by Connor Frisch, who shot a 40.
Quakertown’s Madilyn Suita took top honors with a 42 and Dan Carroll finished with a 48.
Others in the mix for Pennridge were Jack Lenox (44), Ashley Ea (45) Jeff Seiler (46). Christian Guldin (47), Blake Stewart (48) and Taryn Shine (49).
Seth Lowande (49), Ty Wilkin (54), Cole Mehrman (55) and Brendon Ruzicka (58) rounded out the field for Quakertown.
It was the first of two wins for the Rams through Monday’s play after their season-opening loss to Central Bucks South.
“That was a nice win for us,” added Yurchak. “We shot the ball well against CB South, but we didn’t have enough. We were pretty balanced against Quakertown, and we have the ability to do that all season.”
Yurchak is optimistic that juniors Bauer, Frisch, Stewart and Ea can use their experiences from last season to further extend their games.
“We had many of them start as freshmen,” he said. “They all made the all-league team a year ago, and we’re looking forward to big things from all of them this season.”
Guldin is the lone senior on the squad and has provided leadership and freshmen Seiler and Shine already have made their impact felt.
“Our freshmen can really be a big lift for us,” said Yurchak. “The entire community is excited about the potential of this team.”
With the defeat, Quakertown dropped to 0-3 on the season after losses to Central Bucks East and Central Bucks South.
Suita, a senior, will be expected to lead the charge throughout the season along with fellow senior Mehrman and junior Lowande. Freshman Wilkin is among the promising younger players on the Panthers’ roster, as they will continue to rebuild.
“Madilyn has been hitting the ball well all summer,” said Quakertown head coach Nick Hood. “Cole and Seth both have had a number of low rounds for us as well.
“We never discuss wins and losses. We simply set a goal of shooting 225 or below as a team.”
