Although there are several new faces joining this team this season, Head Coach Bret Jenkins’ goal for the golf team still stands: improve their abilities to ensure they are better in May, than they are in March.

“[Our goal is] to improve through the year, definitely with the newcomers,” Jenkins said. “We just want them better at the end of May, than at end of March.” 

The team has had to adjust after an influx of new players and the graduation of six seniors at the end of last season. With the addition of six new members this season, the CHS golf team is mainly comprised of underclassmen. 

Jenkins describes how the experienced golfers are helping their new teammates practice and improve this season. 

“We have a lot of newcomers and beginners in the game learning what clubs they want to use,” Jenkins states. “Getting them used to playing matches of golf because it’s a little different than just playing with your friends.”

The team also welcomes two females to the team: Emily Renouf and Maddie Gibson. Both freshmen, they join returning player Mariella DeCristofaro, a sophomore, and the only female on the team last season. DeCristofaro describes how having other females on the team changes her outlook.

“I mean, honestly, last year was a lot harder without having girls because I didn’t feel like I really connected with anybody as much as I do now,” DeCristofaro said. 

Despite it being a rebuilding season, Coach Jenkins has a positive outlook because of returning varsity member, junior Ryan Gibson and newcomer senior Santino “Sonny” Leone. 

“We did lose a lot through graduation last year. We had four seniors, who were our best players last year,” Jenkins said. “We do have some good returners, and added Sonny Leone, which really helped, so we have a pretty good outlook.” 

The team has already seen success from Leone, who averages around a low 40, with his lowest score being a 40. Gibson shoots around a low 40 as well, although his lowest score is a 37. Gibson placed 1st place at a recent match against Bordentown, with a score of 41. 

“The biggest rivalry we have is Northern Burlington and Bordentown,” Gibson said. 

With two tough losses to Northern Burlington this season, the Pirates split their record against Bordentown having lost to the Scotties earlier in the season before finding success at home on April 18 with an impressive 190-215 win. The Pirates are currently 6-9 and fourth in the division.

After back-to-back losses against Haddonfield and Holy Cross, the team’s next match is Wednesday, May 17 at home against Burlington Township.