By Morgan Kogan, Assistant News Editor

The golf team’s fifth season was full of improvements and achievements, including a 5-5 regular season record and strong finishes in tournaments throughout the season.

After struggling through the first half of the season, the Monarchs swung into high gear after spring break, finishing with a 4-1 run, including two wins against St. Rose and close two-stroke victories over Red Bank Catholic and Rumson-Fair Haven. Besides regular season matches, the golf team also placed third in the Monmouth County tournament at Cream Ridge Golf Course, where freshman Anna Clements led the Monarchs by earning fourth place with an 86. Clements also finished fourth in the Shore Conference tournament at Jumping Brook Country Club with a 91, then shot a season-low 83 to place 28th overall at the NJSIAA girls golf tournament. For her success this season, Clements was selected to theAll Shore First Team by the Asbury Park Press.

Freshman Anna C. prepares to tee off at Charleston Springs Country Club on May 4. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Pappa)

Juniors Alessandra Arege, Mara Galvin, Kylie Hall and Kate Perrone were leaders on and off the course. “It’s pretty amazing being an upperclassman for this team because I have been able to see it grow and be a part of its growth,” Perrone said.

First-year head coach Lauren Pappa enjoyed not only her role on the team but also the environment created by the girls. “My greatest joy comes in interacting with the girls, helping them to have a good experience, do their best and enjoy being on a team,” Pappa said.

Underclassmen, even those with little to no previous golf experience, also felt welcomed and eagerly await next season.

“I just love having another group of people to hang out with,” freshman Sanan Gueyikian said. “It’s nice that I got to meet people whom I really never would have had the chance to converse with otherwise.”

The team is especially excited about the possibilities for next season as freshmen join the team and current golfers continue to grow. “The golf team has a really bright future,” Perrone said. “We had a really strong team this year and, with the hope for new freshmen golfers, I think that our team can make it even further than we did this year.”