When Riverbank High golf coach John Bartlett realized three of his returning seniors had opted not to compete on the links this year, his optimism for a bright 2010 season took a serious nosedive.
Since then, Bruin golfers have seen huge improvements and low scores, both showcased over the past week in a pair of matches against last year's No. 1 and 2 programs of the Valley Foothill League - Bret Harte and Escalon.
Riverbank fell by just seven strokes (177-170) to Bret Harte on Tuesday, and added a 163-154 loss to Escalon at the Escalon Golf Course on Thursday.
Courtney Floyd, Bartlett's top golfer a year ago, earned low-score medalist honors in both matches, shooting a 36 Tuesday and a two-over-par on Thursday.
"For us to be playing as well as we are right now is a pleasant surprise," Bartlett said. "Courtney has been great, and it's her goal to be the league MVP."
Floyd's got a head start on the title, especially considering her toughest competition for the honor (golfers from Bret Harte and Escalon) couldn't out-shoot her last week.
Softball ace Carlye Avey has taken well to her second year on the links, and shot a 38 Thursday with a very quick and effective style. Gabriela Macedo carded a 44 in the match while Emily Blevins shot a 48.
"Carlye doesn't have a whole lot of golf experience, but she has eased up on her swing and has been hitting the ball really straight," Bartlett said.
Riverbank is at Hilmar today to continue action in the VFL.
Since then, Bruin golfers have seen huge improvements and low scores, both showcased over the past week in a pair of matches against last year's No. 1 and 2 programs of the Valley Foothill League - Bret Harte and Escalon.
Riverbank fell by just seven strokes (177-170) to Bret Harte on Tuesday, and added a 163-154 loss to Escalon at the Escalon Golf Course on Thursday.
Courtney Floyd, Bartlett's top golfer a year ago, earned low-score medalist honors in both matches, shooting a 36 Tuesday and a two-over-par on Thursday.
"For us to be playing as well as we are right now is a pleasant surprise," Bartlett said. "Courtney has been great, and it's her goal to be the league MVP."
Floyd's got a head start on the title, especially considering her toughest competition for the honor (golfers from Bret Harte and Escalon) couldn't out-shoot her last week.
Softball ace Carlye Avey has taken well to her second year on the links, and shot a 38 Thursday with a very quick and effective style. Gabriela Macedo carded a 44 in the match while Emily Blevins shot a 48.
"Carlye doesn't have a whole lot of golf experience, but she has eased up on her swing and has been hitting the ball really straight," Bartlett said.
Riverbank is at Hilmar today to continue action in the VFL.
