Successful season shaping up for Penn-Trafford girls golf team

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Ed Herbst has been coaching the Penn-Trafford girls golf team since 2004.

Under his direction, the Warriors have won 11 section titles and two WPIAL titles (2012 and 2013). The Warriors were PIAA runners-up in Class 3A in 2012 and 2013.

Midway through the 2023 season, Herbst sees a squad that has great potential.

The Warriors were 6-1 headed into a scheduled section showdown with first-place Franklin Regional on Aug. 31. The Panthers defeated the Warriors by four strokes in an earlier meeting.

“Our goal is to end Franklin Regional’s long winning streak in the section,” senior Antolena Damico said. “It’s like 31 matches and we almost did it the first time we played them. I haven’t been on a team that has beaten Franklin Regional.”

Damico is a four-year starter. She’s surrounded by a trio of three-year starters in Amanda Bobich, Erin Driscoll and Saylor Kaminski. The others in the lineup include sophomore Adalyn Hawk, senior Dannica Wukich and juniors Corryn Cigich and Marielle Wilson.

“I expect good things,” Herbst said. “Many have been starting since they were sophomore except Antolena, who started as a freshman. Antolena is a good, solid No. 1. She works hard at her game.

“My top four players can hit the ball far. We’re working on the little things with them – putting and chipping. We’re getting better. We need to be more consistent with our driving, try to cut down on our putts and staying out of trouble. One-putting is crucial.”

Beating Franklin Regional and possibly sharing the section title is what Herbst is aiming for.

And Herbst has a big squad. He has 25 girls on the roster who are trying to learn the game and have fun.

“I have a lot of experience and a great cast of character on the team,” Herbst said. “They are good kids who what to learn how to play golf. Last year, I had one freshman on the team. This year, we have 10.

“I’m looking forward to working with these girls. They all have a great attitude. These girls don’t know how good they can be.”

Damico shot one her best rounds of the season Aug. 29, a 2-over par 37 at the tough Greensburg Country Club. That round included two birdies and two double bogeys.

“I was close to breaking my record,” Damico said. “My goal this season was to break 80, and I have done that multiple times. I also want to be the medalist in all the matches I play in, and so far I’ve done that.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford