A busy offseason can go a long way.
That’s what the Bradford girls golf team has discovered this fall, as the Lady Owls return a roster full of experience from last year.
Bradford featured multiple freshmen last season who, as sophomores, have now elevated their game. Improvement has been a theme across head coach Ashlee Colwell’s roster, and has helped her team start the season 3-0.
“The girls worked really hard over the offseason and everyone is improving,” Colwell said. “I had a young group last year, but all of our sophomores return and we had another junior come out. Having some kids that know the ropes and feel comfortable during match play has been helpful.”
The Lady Owls have already claimed victories over Oswayo Valley, Smethport and Cameron County. Rain cancellations have paused their competition schedule this week, but the group has been pleased by its start.
“Many of the girls worked individually over the summer, and some of them played in leagues,” Colwell said. “They look a lot more confident in the short game and off the tee this year. To be honest, they’ve improved in every aspect of the game.”
Cadence Stiles, Sophie Cornelius and Alexia Corignani, each of whom lettered last season, have paced the team thus far. Stiles has medaled in each of Bradford’s matches, carrying momentum over from a golf-filled summer.
Payton Morgan and Lillian Erickson also return for the Lady Owls, while freshman Peyton Leet has already made an impact by scoring varsity points. Newcomers Piper Giordano and Bella Rhoades round out the group.
“I have a core group and I try to work people in as we go,” Colwell said. “As they improve, they work their way into the starting lineup.”
That lineup could feature a host of different names at this point in the season, a moving target that will steady as the postseason approaches. For now, however, the Lady Owls will continue to build on an already rewarding season.
“I’m thrilled to see the program growing,” Colwell said. “We want to steadily improve in all aspects of the game, and that looks different for each individual player. I think I say this every year, but they’re a great group of young women and I’m lucky to have them.”
