Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond girls golf returning letterwinners are (left to right): Kara McGonegle, Ellie Driscoll and Caitlin Croonquist. Not pictured: Maddie Hepperle.

St. Edmond girls golf coach Kelsey Felch is hoping more depth will create a tougher competitive environment for her squad in 2024.

The Gaels welcome four of their top five players back from a year ago, and an influx of young talent should help raise the bar for everyone on the links this spring.

“It’s nice to have a bigger team this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing the girls progress,” said Felch, a former St. Edmond golf standout herself who is in her ninth season at the helm. “I expect our returners to take the lead and demonstrate that they are positive role models both on and off the course.”

Seniors Ellie Driscoll, Kara McGonegle, Madison Hepperle and Caitlin Croonquist are all in their fourth seasons at the varsity level.

“Leadership should be a great strength for us,” said Felch, an eight-time county tournament winner. “We are working on our short game, as that has been a struggle in the past and continues to be.

“We are looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

Driscoll (51) and McGonegle (56) had the low nine-hole rounds of the season in 2023. Driscoll’s 18-hole average was 108.6.

Junior Nora Lee and freshmen Izabella Meyer and Irelyn Derrig are also in the mix to round out the roster.

Felch will be assisted by her father, Justin Faiferlick, this year.

St. Edmond opened its season at Southeast Valley on Tuesday. Their first home meet is Monday against Greene County at Lakeside.

2024 ST. EDMOND GIRLS GOLF

Roster

Seniors — Ellie Driscoll, Kara McGonegle, Madison Hepperle, Caitlin Croonquist.

Junior — Nora Lee.

Freshmen — Izabella Meyer, Irelyn Derrig.

Schedule

April 12 — at South Central Calhoun; 15 — Greene County; 16 — at Hampton-Dumont/CAL; 19 — Humboldt and Iowa Falls-Alden; 22 — Saydel and South Hamilton; 24 — CYO meet at Lakeside; 26 — Webster City; 30 — at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows.

May 6 — at NCC meet in Boone.