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Poland golfers shooting for a state championship
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Neighbors | Submitted.The Poland girls golf team will compete in its third straight state tournament this weekend in Columbus. Team members are, from left, Melinda Hannon, Giana DiBenedetto, Rachel Sines, Maria Mancini, Allison Mitzel, Natalie Rivello, Christine Bilas and coach Judy Young.
Whether you call it redemption, revenge or retaliation, the Poland girls golf team is ready to bring home another state championship.
After another stellar season, the Lady Bulldogs are competing in their third straight state tournament this weekend in Columbus at Ohio State. Poland won the Division II state title in 2008 and finished second to Hathaway Brown, a squad that has become quite a rival for the Bulldogs.
Earlier this season, Poland knocked off the defending champ in a dual match, and is hoping that was just a preview of what is to come this weekend.
The Bulldogs won the All-American Conference Red Tier, the AAC Tournament, a Sectional title and took second – three strokes behind Hathaway Brown – at districts.
“It feels amazing to just have the opportunity to finish my senior year on a high note,” said Mitzel, who shot a 75 to earn medalist honors at the district tournament. “It is special because we lost three seniors from last year’s team and we were able to get back to state.”
Maria Mancini (76) finished one stroke behind her teammate and gives Poland a strong one-two punch as it heads into state this weekend.
“We all have to be relaxed and play our best and make smart choices on the course,” said Mancini, when asked how Poland could win state.
The state tournament began Friday with opening round action and will continue today. Having played on the big stage before, Mitzel knows that the key to winning state title isn’t how you start – it’s how you finish.
“The key will be perserverance. The team needs to be mentally tough to withstand the emotions and the spotlight the state tournament creates,” she explained. “The first day doesn’t win the tournament, the ability to finish what you started will win the tournament.
While the performance of Mancini and Mitzel will certainly set the tone for Poland, the team will be only as good as the rest of the top five players.
At districts, Giana DiBenedetto shot a 95, Melinda Hannon carded a 102 and Christine Bilas came in at 104.
“What makes this state tournament so special is the fact that I am going with my awesome teammates,” said Mancini. “I am looking forward to playing and creating more memories.”