By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
Mention Rivermoor Golf Course in Waterford to some high school golfers and they quickly break out in sweats.
The traditionally tough course, which has gotten the better of many golfers, didn’t bother Union Grove golfer Sarah Schuster.
The Broncos’ senior shot an impressive 82 to finish second overall at the Racine County Invite, five strokes behind three-time champion Sarah Busey of Racine Catherine’s.
Schuster’s strong day helped Union Grove (369) finish fourth overall, and just six strokes behind champion Prairie. Racine St. Catherine’s (367) nabbed second place, while host Waterford took third (368).
“Sarah was solid throughout the day,” Union Grove coach Eric Swanson said. “She struggled a little with putting at times, but was hitting the ball great and avoided any large numbers, which can be difficult at Rivermoor. This is a nice boost for her as we enter the final stages of the season.”
Juniors Megan Koch and Jackie Bianchi each shot a 92 to tie for ninth place overall, while freshman Liz Torhorst shot a 103 to round out the Bronco scorers.
“Megan struggled a little with her swing today, but grinded it out and still managed a top finish,” Swanson said. “This was Liz’s first 18-hole round ever so I was very pleased with how she did.
Although Swanson was happy with his team’s effort, he is pushing his team to improve its play quickly with the regular season winding down.
“Overall our season has been pretty good,” Swanson said. “We have struggled with consistency and have had to count a high score more than we would have liked.”
“This is going to have to change if we are going to have any success come tournament time.”
The Broncos certainly want to repeat the successes of last season that saw the team qualify for the state championship for the first time in school history. Currently, the Broncos are second in the Southern Lakes Conference behind front runner Waterford.
With a conference title still a possibility, the Grove will rely on Schuster to lead the way.
“Sarah has had a very good year so far, and has had a very good career going into this year, but she has really stepped up her game this year,” Swanson said. “Megan has improved tremendously since last year as well. She has worked very hard on her game and this has shown in her scores. I am excited to see where she is at next year at this time.”
Swanson also singled out Sydney and Bianchi for their strong contributions this season. Add it all up, and the Broncos look to make more strides down the stretch of the regular season and postseason.
“Going into the conference tournament, we are in second place and still have a chance of sharing the conference title, and that’s always a good thing,” Swanson said. “We have a very tough regional, so we are going to have to fix a few things and play better than we have if we are going to advance to Sectionals and beyond. We have the ability, it’s just a matter of making it happen.”
Fortunately for Union Grove, there is still time left to make things happen.
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