After losing EYL champion, 2009 Marauders to rely on balance

Two years ago, they lost EYL champion Kristen Allard. Last year, they lost EYL champion Stacey Yamaguchi.

But Monache’s girls golf squad always seems to find a way to reload, as they proved last season by going 8-4 in league play while taking second at the EYL tournament.

Stepping into the No. 1 slot will be junior Jackie Ramirez, who struggled with consistency last year, according to Marauders coach Tony Grande.

“Jackie’s shown the biggest improvement, I think,” Grande said. “But now she’s hitting it long and she’s improved her short game. She’s the one to look out for.”

The team’s lone senior, Bailey Roche, moves into the No. 2 spot. The four-year varsity member was also named the team’s captain.

At No. 3 sophomore Devon Meredith will likely push Roche for the second spot, as the two’s scores have remained relatively even this early in preseason tournaments.

Freshman Zoey Randhawa surprised Grande with her natural ability despite having little experience on the golf course and the newcomer earned the fourth spot.

The fifth player, junior Kim Leyva, and sixth, junior Quincy Randhawa, possess even less experience, as Grande admits both picked up a club little more than three weeks ago.

Elizabeth Harrell, Emily Ragan, Amber Land and returner Erica Conro — all sophomores — figure to compete for rotation duty in the top six.

“My philosophy is that competition is great, but the most important thing to remember is to have fun and improve your game,” Grande said.

Replacing Stars

Monache golf moves on after losing Yamaguchi, Allard in last 2 years

2008 record: 8-4 EYL (3rd)

Top Returners: Jr. Jackie Ramirez, sr. Bailey Roche, soph. Devon Meredith

Key Newcomers: Fr. Zoey Randhawa, jr. Quincy Randhawa, jr. Kim Leyva

Departures: Stacey Yamaguchi

Breakout Player: Jackie Ramirez