Short Season Causes Concern

Sat., April 25, 1998

By Mike Vlahovich mikev@spokesman.com (509) 927-2180

Frontier golf

Frontier League golf teams are approaching the second match of their brief, three match league season.

West Valley and East Valley have already faced Clarkston, the Eagles played Cheney and the Knights play the Blackhawks next Thursday.

The season ends for the two Valley schools when they meet May 7.

Brevity of the league slate, said WV coach Tom Struthers, is prompting thoughts of change.

“They’re talking about restructuring the league with thoughts of joining the GSL,” he said.

District tournament will advance golfers to a regional in Moses Lake. Top 11 placers qualify for state.

Early season promise for EV

Early season promise from experienced East Valley golfers and a nice freshman turnout are reason for guarded optimism by boys coach Ken Stacy.

“This is probably the best ninth-grade class as far as capability since I’ve been here,” said Stacy.

He’s hoping that means an even lower team score than last year’s 403 and tie with league champion Clarkston.

The Knight boys bring back state veteran junior Brian Miacolo, who has already shot 71 at Liberty Lake, and sophomore Jared Taylor, who had 76 during the Clarkston Invitational.

“If we get his short game stable, he’ll be fine,” said Stacy.

They are among six returning veterans for the Knights.

Others include senior Dustin Smock, juniors Adam Sitton, Luke Damskov and Nate Grover.

New to the varsity is junior Johnny Frederick and four freshmen, Matt Damskov, Chad Mathison, Eric Fischer and Josh Harnack.

There are but four golfers on coach Mike Malsam’s girls team. Back from last year are Katie Sulpizio and sophomore Erin Tilton.

Sophomores Heather Rasucher and Hanna Postelwaite complete the lineup.

WV girls contend for title

Two West Valley golfers, sophomore Amy Weiber and senior Melanie LaRoque finished 15th and 21st respectively at state last year.

Their return is a major reason the Eagles beat Clarkston in their opener and can win a league title.

“It’s not 100 percent,” said Struthers, “but if they don’t make it to state again, I’d be shocked.”

Their scores, 176 and 180 for 36 holes, were solid. LaRoque has already bettered 80 and Weiber will be there.

“We’re extremely strong, with one novice on varsity,” said Struthers.

Back from last year are sophomore Sherise Roderick and senior Karisa Rickard. Joining them is freshman Becky Nowaski, along with newcomers Gail Nesbitt and Michelle Jones.

The boys, who lost their league opener to Clarkston, have played only one match with their entire lineup.

That was an eighth-place finish in the 24-team Yakima Invitational.

“We’ve had a really rough season,” said Struthers.

Back are seniors Robert Murray, J.R. Meyer and Brandon Frisch, and junior Eric Morasch.

Others on varsity are junior Dustin Griffith and freshman Trevor Frisch.

Rounding out the team are Jeff Ohman, Jason Cushman, Glen Kingsley and Brandon Honcoop.

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