PREP GIRLS' GOLF PREVIEW: Red Raiders’ biggest foe is in own backyard

Andy Bronson | ANDY BRONSON THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

The Mariners took second at the 2007 state tournament and return an impressive group, but Mariners coach Don Helling is clear to point out that any team hoping to steal the state-championship trophy must seize it from the Red Raiders’ hands.

“They’re the returning champions and return three very strong golfers from last year’s state crew as well as others who can certainly get to state and score points,” Helling said.

The Mariners earned a narrow win over the Red Raiders in an early-season match less than two weeks ago, and Sehome holds a slight edge in the Northwest Conference standings.

Bellingham coach Brad McKay says the Red Raiders are in the process of adjusting — a common theme at this point in the season — and is well aware of the threat posed by Sehome.

“Our challenge is to practice like we play and to develop consistent scorers that will try and keep pace with Sehome in our conference,” McKay said. “We have the parts to compete at the highest level, time will tell if we can move from the theoretical realm of our potential into shooting scores that will lead to good consistent finishes.”

Bellingham junior Claire Rachor finished second at the state tournament a year ago; former teammate Katie Sharpe earned the state title and was the only player to finish ahead of Rachor.

Katy Robinson and Jessica Davis tied for 26th place at state, giving the Red Raiders an impressive trio to start this season. Add in senior Lydia Smith and a bevy of younger players, and Bellingham has the talent to again run the table.

For its part, Sehome has an eye-opening roster as well, and Helling emphasized the value of the team’s experienced players.

“Our team captains, Kinsey Butler, Karly Olsen and Tate Head, are all returning state competitors and have been instrumental in the rise of Sehome golf over the last three years,” Helling said.

It’s a safe bet that top players are going to play well as the season goes deeper into tournament play, but an often-overlooked aspect is the role played by golfers further down a team’s roster. Helling said the Mariners have made that an important consideration.

“Even though these three experienced players will provide the leadership and solid team points this season, the golfers that will make the biggest difference in our ability to compete with Burlington- Edison and Bellingham during the bulk of the season are our Nos. 4, 5, and 6 varsity players.”

Currently holding those spots, Helling said, are Caitlyn Sherif, Katy Jo Reilly and Hannah Taylor.

While it may be difficult for the Red Raiders and Mariners to abstain from scoreboardwatching, Helling and McKay agreed that a loaded Burlington- Edison squad could throw a wrench into the plan.

“Burlington-Edison historically has always been in the top of the conference, but this year they have a number of returning experienced players who figure to give them extraordinary depth at all levels this season,” Helling said.

The Tigers are led by a quintet of returning potential state qualifiers: Kendra Welling, Rachel Erickson, Kirsten Dalgliesh, Kaitlyn Conijn, and Lexi Carter.

That level of depth has teams looking over their shoulders, and Helling said Anacortes’ impressive start has not gone unnoticed.

“Anacortes is a sleeper who started off the season scoring 110 points (while) missing one of their top kids,” Helling said. “Any team starting the season at over 100 points is certainly a contender.”