Messenger photo by Britt Kudla St. Edmond girls golf returning letterwinners are (left to right): Rylee Kinney, Riley Mayer, Grace Viaene and Amanda Richman.

Kelsey Faiferlick believes a successful run for her St. Edmond girls golf team on the links is there for the taking.

With four returning letterwinners back for the Gaels — including their low scorers in Riley Mayer and Grace Viaene — Faiferlick sees a breakthrough coming.

“I believe we will have a strong team despite losing seniors Page Kinney and Jaci Taylor,” said Faiferlick, a former St. Edmond standout herself. “Along with the returning letterwinners, we also have a strong group of players back that competed last year, along with some newcomers.”

Mayer, a senior, fell just short of qualifying for state a season ago. She averaged a 50 over nine-hole meets, including a low of 45. Viaene, also a senior, averaged a 55, firing a low nine-hole round of 47.

Sophomores Rylee Kinney and Amanda Richman both saw varsity action as ninth-graders. Kinney averaged just under 58 and Richman just under 60.

Kinney had a low round of 49 for nine holes and 97 for 18.

“I expect that the team has a shot at making state this year,” Faiferlick said. “My coaching philosophy involves focusing on the mental game in order to remain strong during meets. The best players are able to let bad shots go and continue with their round to play consistently.”

Hannah Zinnel, Cameron Brown and Clare Condon return with experience, while Chloe Lewison, Olivia Kolacia and Hallie Ehn are newcomers.

As for Faiferlick, she was a three-time state tournament participant for the Gaels before a standout career in college with Park University. She has won a city golf tournament-record seven consecutive titles.

Faiferlick will be assisted by her father, Justin, a former head coach himself.

St. Edmond is now set to open its season on Thursday vs. Clear Lake and Hampton-Dumont at Lakeside Golf Course. The Gaels will host the CYO on April 25, with the North Central Conference meet set for May 7 in Mason City.

2018 ST. EDMOND GIRLS GOLF

Roster

Seniors — Riley Mayer, Grace Viaene.

Juniors — Chloe Lewison, Hannah Zinnel.

Sophomores — Cameron Brown, Clare Condon, Rylee Kinney, Olivia Kolacia, Amanda Richman.

Freshman — Hallie Ehn.

Schedule

April 12 — Clear Lake, Hampton-Dumont; 13 — at South Central Calhoun; 16 — Greene County; 17 — at Humboldt, Iowa Falls-Alden; 20 — at Webster City, Clarion-Goldfield/Dows; 23 — at South Hamilton; 25 — host CYO; 27 — Algona.

May 7 — at NCC meet in Mason City; 8 — Southeast Valley.