IMA SPORTS

The Maumee girls golf team opened its season with a strong showing Monday, placing fifth out of 10 teams at the Lake Invitational at Hidden Hills Golf Course.

A group of returning players led the Panthers, paced by senior Kallie Yeager, who shot a 93 to place fifth among individuals. Coach Emily Baker said Jadyn Netry and Hannah Ruiz also recorded personal-best scores on the course.

Yeager returns for her senior season after qualifying for last year’s Division I district tournament. She advanced with a 95 at sectionals at Eagle’s Landing and finished 34th at districts with a 97 at Stone Ridge Golf Club.

Also returning this season is Abby Turner, joined by newcomers Haley Jaquay, Lillie Nye and Brianna Swift.

“This team does well because the girls come out ready to have fun and try their hardest every day,” Baker said. “We are always just trying to improve their swings, power and ability to play under pressure. We can do that with practice and good attitudes.”

Baker, now in her third season leading the Panthers, said her goals are to see both individual and team improvement this fall.

“I feel much more knowledgeable and better equipped for everything now,” she said. “I am confident in our season being a success and an improvement from last year.”

Maumee finished seventh in the Northern Buckeye Conference last season, with Yeager earning second-team All-NBC honors.

The Panthers aim to climb the standings this year, with the fourth NBC Shootout set for Sept. 3 at Heatherdowns Country Club and the NBC Championship scheduled for Sept. 16 at Green Hills Golf Course.

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com