Hudson girls golf seeks big season after sour ending in 2022
Hudson girls golf had a 2022 unique season: One of the finest regular seasons in school history and yet, a modest finish to the post season.
While head coach Bobby Bolin is excited about the prospects of this fall, the veteran mentor also realizes that his club’s talent and hunger also needs to be fulfilled on the links.
“We had a great season last year, including setting a few school records, but the end was a little disappointing,” said Bolin, entering his fifth year at Hudson. “This group has lofty goals and will look to improve on last year’s success.”
“We have returning talent with excellent leadership and awesome team chemistry,” said Bolin. “Our girls have put in an immense amount of work in the offseason and are ready to go this fall.”
Last year’s district tournament at Brookledge saw Hudson finish sixth, missing a state berth.
That came after Hudson fired the lowest sectional score in school history (314) to finish third at Fox Den.
Hudson also was the Suburban League National Conference runner-up last year.
Despite the graduation loss of district performers Lizzy Grant and Julia Kuss, Bolin is excited about this season.
Heading the cast of returnees is senior captain Sherry Du, who was a second-team all-district performer last year, a first-team all-league standout last year and in 202 and the Suburban League Player of the Year in 2021.
“Sherry’s biggest strength is her consistency and her short game,” said Bolin.
Du had an 82 in district action and carded a 79 in sectionals.
Senior Ellie Davis is back and is a veteran performer and a team co-captain with Du.
“Ellie’s strength is her leadership as well as her short iron game,” said Bolin.
Hudson’s junior class is gifted with Emmy Burling, Julia Van Bokkelen and Hannah Lee.
Burling is a two-time all-Suburban League first-teamer, who garnered first-team all-district accolades in 2022. She was fourth in sectionals with a 77 and carded an 87 in districts.
“I think Emmy’s biggest strength is her ability to score low and her putting game,” said Bolin.
Van Bokkelen is another talented junior as she was a second-team All-Suburban League choice and played in districts last year, plus posted an 81 in sectional action.
“Julia’s biggest strengths is her shot analysis and her driving accuracy,” noted Bolin.
Lee continues to make strides along with sophomore returnee McKenna Kiewatt.
“Hannah has shown constant improvement and has consistent ball striking while McKenna has good mental strength and her putting,” said the coach.
The top newcomer, according to Bolin, is freshman prospect Elena Varga.
“Elena has a love of golf and a strong swing speed,” said Bolin.
Hudson girls win Suburban League's first golf tournament of fall
Hudson won the first league tournament this season 296-324 over Stow and defending champion Nordonia (325).
In the process, Hudson shattered the school record with the round of 296.
“Coming in, I thought we had a good chance to play well and the girls had all played at Old Avalon (in Warren) before, but I had never seen the course,” said Bolin. “Most of my time was spent figuring out where I could help the team the most. The girls didn’t really need a ton of help and after nine holes, I started to get the feeling that something special could be happening.”
Du was the runner up with a 69 (35-34) as she challenged Nordonia medalist Julia Gulla.
There was plenty of help for Du as Burling placed third overall with a consistent 72 (36-36) and Varga finished fourth at 75 (37-38) with her best-ever showing!
“Four of our six players shot their personal best high school scores, led by Sherry’s two-under par 69,” said Bolin. “Emmy was plus one at 72, Elena broke her personal best by four shots with a 75, Ellie’s 80 was the final counting score, Julia ended up with 81, and McKenna had an 86.
Host Hudson also placed fifth overall in the elite Lady Explorer Tournament at Lake Forest Country Club on Aug. 7.. Dublin Jerome won 305-318 over Rocky River Magnificat, New Albany (322), Medina Highland (325), Hudson (326).
It was Hudson’s top finish at the annual tourney. Du and Burling excelled as they carded scores of 78 and 79 to finish 11th and 13th, respectively. Varga fired an 83, Van Bokkelen had an 86, and Davis, a 90.
“We played well in our tournament, which has possibly the strongest field of any tournament in Ohio,” said Bolin. “We were sitting in second place for a very long time and ended up fifth.”
Hudson placed second overall at Monday’s Flamingo Frenzy Tournament at Ridgewood Golf Course. Aurora edged Hudson 311-321 for team honors as the Explorers beat Magnificat (322).
Du led with a round of 71, which was third overall.
Burling turned in an 80 (41-39), Varga had an 83, Davis 87, and Van Bokkelen had an 88. Kiewatt led the Hudson B unit with a 90 and was supported by junior Brooke Harvey, junior Annabel Lindley, senior Maria DiMauro, and Lee.
At the Brunswick Tee-Off Classic two Tuesdays ago, Hudson was third in a solid field and scored a 321. Magnificat won at 284, followed by Highland 303, Hudson, and Medina (332).
Du fired a 77 and had a top-10 finish and Varga was close at 79. Burling added an 81, Davis shot an 84, and Van Bokkelen was at 89.
Other seniors on the roster include Maddy Bonilla, Ava Buckshaw and Ella Smetham. There is also junior Bella Destro, sophomore Analeigh Lawrence, and freshman Ariel Wheeler.
Bolin realizes the league will be strong again this year and a rugged schedule should bolster the team for what will be another big post season for the Explorers.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson keeps eyes on Suburban League girls golf title
