Blue Devil Girls’ Golf Surprises Opponents

Catching opponents by surprise was something the Huntington High School varsity girls’ golf team did many times over during the Blue Devils’ inaugural season on the links.

Huntington won four matches and came close in two others as the Blue Devils made a splash in Section XI girls’ golf circles. Junior Brooke Parks won All-League honors and reached the individual county tournament.

Head coach Michael Marinello was assisted by a volunteers Bob Colvin, Jenna Merget and Michele Kustera. Seniors Stephanie Wickey and Anna Bell Young captained the Blue Devils.

Huntington’s roster boasted 23 golfers, a remarkable number with this being the first season for the new varsity squad. But 12 of the 23 were seniors, so Marinello plans a recruiting drive. Still, the 11 returnees include many talented athletes; enough so confidence is running high for success in the Blue Devils’ second season next spring.

Parks went 10-2 in the No. 1 position, leading the team in birdies and pars, Marinello said. Senior Quinn Fox compiled a 7-3-1 mark in the No. 2 slot.

“Brooke is a confident and capable golfer,” Marinello said. “If she works hard over the summer it will allow her to attain All-County honors.”

Young along with sophomore Claire Parks and junior Jane Callery were also standouts. While Young graduated in June, Parks and Callery are expected to make significant contributions next spring.

“This is a new team,” Marinello said. “We are losing many seniors, which is concerning. We will need to concentrate on recruiting freshmen and sophomores so that we have some balance going forward. We will be good if we continue to build excitement for the sport and get girls to play this summer.”

Talia Addeo, Kate Balm, Victoria Befumo, McKenna Buffa, Quinn Fox, Isabella Lanfranco, Daniela Luca, Markella Markotsis, Renee McKean, Leah Sheran, Stephanie Wickey and Anna Bell Young are all heading off to college after graduating in late June.

Returnees include Jane Callery, Isabella Careccia-Johnson, Emersen Evans, Abigail Hopson, Giovanna Lanfranco, Sophie Lange, Jessica Lee, Lily Mitek, Brooke Parks, Claire Parks and Hannah Song.

Marinello has set a goal for the team to finish in the top three in the league next spring. He also hopes to replace all the seniors with new golfers.

Marinello is also seeking community donations of golf clubs and golf bags for his novice golfers who lack equipment. Can you help? Send a message to the coach at mmarinello@hufsd.edu.