Athleticism, experience key for Northwest girls

The Grand Island Northwest girls golf team is banking on the combination of athleticism and experience will give the Vikings an opportunity to be an improved squad this season.

Northwest returns four letter-winners, including three starters from last year's team.

"With good leadership from our returners, we are looking to improve as a team as we strive for more consistency," Northwest third-year golf coach Dick Colvin said. "The girls are working very hard right now. I've seen improvement from them almost across the board, so we're hoping that they can continue that as we get into the season and play to what their strengths are."

Senior Alyssa Raile returns to Northwest's starting lineup along with junior Amy Knapp and sophomore Sarah Phinney.

Colvin said Raile has plenty of potential.

"Alyssa is very athletic and looks to improve greatly this season," Colvin said.

He also expects very solid play from Knapp and Phinney.

"Amy is very competitive with excellent golf skills," Colvin said. "Sarah is an extremely steady performer, who is looking to show consistent improvement."

Colvin said sophomore Megan Jenneman is an improving young player with good golf skills who could be a consistent contributor for the Vikings this fall.

Northwest opens its season Friday at the Seward Invitational. The Vikings' first competition in Grand Island will be at the Grand Island Central Catholic Invitational on Sept. 4 at Jackrabbit Run Golf Course.

Colvin said the Vikings will certainly face plenty of strong competition this season in the Central Conference and the Class B, District 3 meet, which will be played at Southern Hills in Hastings.

"They should both be fairly strong as central Nebraska always has been known for solid golf," Colvin said. "Adams Central, Aurora, Hastings and Minden are teams to watch."

Northwest's other district opponents include Columbus Lakeview, O'Neill, Schuyler and York.

Colvin said the keys for Northwest to be more competitive this season are simple.

"We need to develop great leadership from our experienced players and improve our mental toughness," Colvin said. "We also need to show an excellent work ethic in practice."

In order to help develop mental toughness, Colvin said he's had the Vikings competing against each other in drills during practices.

"We try to make the girls as competitive as they can so that way they have to work at it and have a purpose with each stroke during their practice," Colvin said. "We feel like that's a better process than just hitting the ball and seeing what happens.”