Following the graduation of three standouts, the Webb City High School girls golf team will be led by new faces in 2022.
The Cardinals must overcome the loss of the graduated Sydney French, Laya McAllister and Sophia Coulson after the trio concluded the 2021 season at the Class 3 state tournament.
The three players were also the team’s top finishers at the conference and district tournaments. With that, the Cardinals will have a new look this fall.
“We have a very young and inexperienced team and I believe we’ll be playing our best when we get to our conference and district tournaments after we’ve completed our regular season,” Webb City coach Jackson Boyer said.
Webb City has three returning golfers with prior varsity experience—senior Jacie Crouch, junior Langlee Walker and sophomore Emerson Boulware. Crouch finished 33rd at last season’s Central Ozark Conference tourney.
The Cardinals also have five newcomers on the roster this fall—senior Farryn Holcomb, juniors Avry Hodson and Libby Allen and sophomores Aly Byrd and Isabella Manes.
Despite the lack of varsity experience, Boyer noted there’s a lot to like about his team.
“The strength of our team so far is the hard work and dedication I’ve seen,” he said. “We have a great group of athletes that are going to get better as the season progresses and we have a lot of competition on the team for the five varsity spots.”
Boyer is confident his Cardinals can put together a solid season if they improve in all facets of the game as the season progresses.
“Ultimately, we’re going to need to improve our ball striking off the tee,” Boyer said. “We’re working on having a simple approach to the game and improving consistency through the course.
“We are going to put a lot of focus on our short game,” he added. “The team is working very hard on pitching, chipping and putting. Another key to success will be each player building confidence in themselves and each other as the season progresses.”
Webb City will be among the teams competing at the Joplin Lady Eagle Invitational on Aug. 30 at Schifferdecker Golf Course.
“The team is extremely excited to get going and see how we stack up against area schools,” Boyer said. “This is a great group that comes to practice each day very focused on improving their game. I’m looking forward to getting the season started and watching them compete at each tournament.”
