As a team, Maryville High School girls' golf kept things consistent Tuesday.
Finishing one stroke better than their first match, the 'Hounds defeated Tarkio and North East Nodaway with a new mix of best scores. This time around, Amy Van de Ven took the meet's top honors with a score of 42 after struggling in their first match. In the end, the 'Hounds came out way ahead with a total score of 204, 22 strokes better than runner-up Tarkio.
"Amy just needed to buckle down," coach Brenda Ricks said. "She's very capable. I expect her to hit in the low 40s or high 30s even."
Van de Ven made a few strategic decisions to counteract the high winds at Mozingo Lake Golf Course and take the top spot.
"I was just more focused I think," Van de Ven said. "I had a bad week last week, but I normally shoot anywhere from a 42 to a 46."
Ricks saw improvement over the last week in all her golfers by having them focus on things they struggled with in their first match. For some, that meant working on swing mechanics at the driving range. For others, that meant time spent on the practice green.
But practice couldn't prepare the 'Hounds for the tough weather they faced Tuesday. High winds and rain caused a change in some golfers' games, senior Kim Hanna said. She led the team in scoring during its first match with a 49 and finished third on the team with a 56 this round.
"If the wind's against you when you drive, it sucks because it pulls your ball the other way," Hanna said. "The rain just makes it hard because you have to put on more clothes so you can stay dry, and that makes it harder for your swing."
Ricks spent time during the meet talking to golfers about course etiquette and other wrinkles that might help them when districts arrive in October.
Districts seems like an easier path for the 'Hounds this year with Savannah, last year's winner, out of Maryville's district. Savannah also provided last year's individual winner.
The 'Hounds continue their season today in St. Joseph against Lafayette.
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