PENDLETON — Last season, Pendleton Heights girls golf Coach Hilary Slick was pleasantly surprised at how well the team performed.

With a 7-6 match record, the Arabians won the Hoosier Heritage Conference title for the first time since 2007 and finished second in Madison County to champion Lapel. They missed going to regional by four strokes.

And with a core five from that team returning to the course, Slick is looking forward to another great season.

“I couldn’t be more excited. We couldn’t have a better group of girls,” Slick said.

One top Arabian prospect is senior Danielle Tinsley. Slick said Tinsley has come a long way since her freshman year. Both Slick and Tinsley are in their fourth year with the team.

Tinsley’s top spot will not go unchallenged, though. Sophomore Grace Wiggins may give Tinsley a battle.

“I expect those two to be duking it out for the top spot all season,” Slick said.

Joining Tinsley and Wiggins will be junior Ryann Norris and sophomores Kaitlynn Shamblin and Kaylee McKenney.

New to the team this year is junior Olivia Link and freshman Ashley McKenney. While Link and McKenney are new to the sport, they are making enormous strides every day, according to Slick.

“They are taking to it very well,” she said. “Both are natural athletes.”

In their first time out on nine holes, Slick said the two scored in the 70s, but after just a few times on the course, the girls are shooting in the 50s.

“They are improving every step of the way,” Slick said.

While practice officially started Aug. 1, the team has been playing all summer.

Slick said nothing would make her happier than for the whole team to beat her score on the course.Tinsley has edged Slick by one stroke before.

The girls’ on-course support and playful banter has created a closeness that will benefit the team throughout the season, Slick said.

With the experience and the enthusiasm the Arabians possess, the team, according to Slick, has the potential to do great things this season.

She’s hoping to give Lapel a run at the county title, retain the conference crown and leave the sectional behind for regional competition.

The Arabians finished seventh of 11 teams in the Plainfield Invitational on Monday, Aug. 5, and defeated Mt. Vernon 173-199 on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

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2019-20 Pendleton Heights girls golf roster

Senior

Danielle Tinsley

Juniors

Ryann Norris

Olivia Link

Sophomores

Kaylee McKenney

Kaitlynn Shamblin

Grace Wiggins

Freshman

Ashley McKenney

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