When Carson High girls golf coach Terry Gingell started practice for the upcoming season, he was greeted with the biggest turnout in his tenure.
A total of 21 girls, including 14 freshmen and sophomores, will battle for the six starting spots for the first Sierra League match Sept. 2 at Rosewood Lakes in Reno.
"We have a lot of young girls; a lot of very good athletes," Gingell said. "We're not going to be a dominant team this year. In the future, though, I see us as a very strong team."
Gingell credited the large turnout to the summer golf camps and the junior program at Empire Ranch where he works as a teaching pro.
"We have a really active junior golf program," Gingell said. "Empire Ranch has done a lot to provide for junior golfers. We're happy to be here. There are 27 holes here. It's easy to get kids on the golf course. It lends itself to having a strong program."
One thing Gingell hopes to do is get some matches for his non-starting players in some competitive situations.
"Most of the schools (in our league) don't have enough players to do that," Gingell said. "This year Dayton had quite a turnout, so we may have them come over and play."
Chelsea Keating, a senior, and junior Katie Cowperthwaite go into the season as the top two players. Both were starters a year ago.
"Chelsea is playing very well," Gingell said. "She played in several tournaments over the summer and she's worked on her game. I think she shot 83 the last time. I fully expect her to keep improving. She has a good shot at state as an individual. I feel the same way about Katie."
Gingell said the other four starting spots are completely up for grabs. Senior Julia Lapham and sophomores Elayna Shine, Whitney Nash and Lindsay Burroughs could have the inside track.
Shine, who also plays softball and basketball at Carson, and Nash, also a basketball player, played in some matches last year, according to Gingell. Burroughs, a softball player, didn't play golf last season. All three are making strides.
"Julia didn't play during the summer, but she's starting to work on her game now," Gingell said.
Katie Livermore, Sadie Staub, Halee Ackerman, Leah Kniffen, Morgen Brown, Nicole Strickland, Kimberlee Smith, Megan Breen, Markiann Theiss, Amy Anrig, Katie Carlevato, Kristen Good and Megan Justice comprise the rest of the squad.
The Sierra League will have a new look this season because of the realignment in 4A.
Bishop Manogue, Fallon and Galena are now in the league with South Lake Tahoe, Carson, Douglas, Damonte Ranch and Wooster. Reno and North Valleys have moved to the High Desert League.
"It makes the division more competitive," Gingell said. "Galena and Bishop Manogue always have strong teams as well as Douglas. It will be tough to make it to Regionals as a team."
The regional tournament will be played at Ruby View in Elko while the state tournament is scheduled to be played at Hidden Valley Country Club.