In the battle for Colorado Springs Metro League girls’ golf supremacy this spring, one will have to look no further than last year’s top individual finishers Jamie Zook from Palmer, Cheyenne Mountain’s Justine Kemp and Doherty’s Paige Crawford.Metro League

Terrors coach Jason Kohl believes Zook is more than capable of defending her individual title, as well as leading her team to another CSML championship.

“Jamie is well ahead of where she was at this time last season,” Kohl said. “Her confidence has improved more than anything and that can be attributed to the experience she gained from her success last season.

Also vying for the top spot in the CSML will be Cheyenne Mountain, led by its senior Kemp, who finished one point shy of tying Zook for the individual title. Kemp also won the 4A regional individual title last year.

“Palmer looks to be the favorite this year,” Indians coach Bill Paulson said. “Our goals will be to win the Metro championships, as well as the regional on our home course this year.”

After helping Doherty to a second-place finish in the team competition and third individually, Crawford, a junior, will have to work even harder to get her team to the top of the heap after losing teammate Maree Wurtz to graduation. Crawford will try to top her 23rd-place finish at last year’s 5A state tournament.

“The bar is pretty high,” Doherty coach John Carricato said. “Her goal is to capture the individual and team championships and a top-10 finish at state. With her work ethic, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen.”

Other top returning players are Coronado’s Sam Stancato (seventh in CSML) and 4A state qualifier Kara Sullivan of St. Mary’s.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

League tournaments: Spartan Invitational, April 13; Terror Invitational, April 16; Cougar Classic, April 23, Saber Cat Invitational, April 28; and Indian Invitational, May 11.

Regionals: 4A, May 4, Country Club of Colorado; 5A, May 5, Red Hawk Ridge, Castle Rock.

State championships: May 18-19, 5A, Collindale GC, Fort Collins; 4A, Patty Jewett.

TEAM PREVIEWS

CLASS 5A

Air Academy – Senior Alli Slamkowski (15th in Metro League) will lead a veteran squad that includes seniors Maggie Long, Alexa Woods and Rachel Yohanan and sophomores Brooke Becco and Yujin Choi.

Coronado – Sophomore Sam Stancato (27th at 5A state championship and seventh at Metros) and Anna Gregorich (18th in Metro) will look for another top-three team finish in Metros, with the help of returning seniors Kayleigh Lacey and Alexis Rodarmel in addition to Kristina Minchow and Katie Grobell.

Doherty – Junior Paige Crawford (23rd at 5A state and third in Metro) will look to lead an inexperienced group.

Fountain-Fort Carson – Three-time letter-winner Lauren Westover, two-time letterman Brittany Trausch, and Amber Bunch return with a group of prospects.

Liberty – Returning senior Andrea Bagley will be joined by promising newcomer Monica Davis in a 14-member program.

Palmer – The Terrors will look to defend their Metro team title as seniors Jamie Zook (Metro winner and state qualifier) and Josie Williams return along with seniors McKenzy Katalin and Megan Chapman, and freshman Eryn Hogan.

Pine Creek – After losing three out of four state qualifiers to graduation, the Eagles will look to reload with junior Diana Kresge and her twin sisters Jessie and Susie to record another top-five finish in the CSML.

Sand Creek/Vista Ridge – All-Area performer Kaylan Self (10th in Metro) returns with Katie Lythgoe, Danielle Vialpondo and Ryly Riggs to lead an inexperienced team with four freshmen and five sophomores.

Rampart – Alisa Lindsay, Alee Torres and Breanna English return.

CLASS 4A

Cheyenne Mountain – The Indians continue to be a perennial power as state qualifiers Justine Kemp and Becky Nelson return with a solid player in Erin Terrio, who finished 19th in the Metro League standings.

The Classical Academy – Sam Ginnet, Ariel Alire and Kate Demkowicz return for the Titans and will look to remain competitive after losing state qualifier Jordyn Dougal, who transferred out of state.

Discovery Canyon – Returners Joella Gallegos and Eileen Ortega will be joined by Maridza Olivares and newcomers Celena Suazo and Davina James.

Falcon – Three-year letter-winner Zoey Nunn along with seniors Lia Weaver and Mandy Aldrich lead freshmen Gaby Munoz and Chyanne Foresman.

Florence – Sophomore Austin Morelli (state qualifier) and juniors Kaycee Gibson, Samantha Moos and Alyssa Steele will be joined by newcomer Erika Norblat of Luxembourg.

Harrison – will not field a team.

Lewis-Palmer – Three seniors return including Rachel Lee (16th in Metros), who will be relied on to lead the 10-member program. The Rangers will look to improve upon their seventh-place league finish.

Manitou Springs – Returning letter-winners Kaity Klis and Jenna Rawson lead an inexperienced group that includes Lauren Fowler, Kelsey McKiel, Brian Wren and Alexis Beeton.

Mitchell – Upperclassmen Kayla Miller and Crystal Enrique return to lead newcomers Victoria Barbosa and Chelsea Gately.

Palmer Ridge – Sophomores Jessica Ballentine, Meaghan Kearns and Kaley Schneewind will look to be competitive in the school’s first season.

St. Mary’s – State qualifier Kara Sullivan and seniors Julia Harris, Jennifer Roche and Lainey LaForge will lend their experience and leadership to newcomers, including talented sophomore Renata Bucher.

Wasson – Third year letter-winner Millie Harrison returns along with Shawna Kelly to lead newcomers Rachael Perry and Laura Schlichting.

Greg Bryant Photo by