In 2014, current Yale Bulldog and former Cambridge Bear Sabrina Long led the Lady Bears’ golf squad to the school’s second official state championship.

That squad’s members have now moved on to college; senior and University of Tampa commit Heather Kipniss is the only athlete left of that bunch.

“Heather’s better. She’s more consistent,” said senior golfer Parker Sylvester.

The Bear Witness asked Sylvester what she thought of the prospects for her team this year. She pondered, squinted her eyes and firmly answered: “We’re going to be good. We will.”

The team’s first run at the state championship ended with a silver medal in 2013. The next year they earned their rings.

They haven’t fared as well in the last two years, with a 3rd place finish in 2015 and an 8th place finish in 2016.

Sylvester said the team has more players than ever, creating the need for a special JV coach, who is expected to be selected this season. Sylvester said in years prior the team’s small size fostered good team chemistry, which credited with the team’s success.

Kipniss said she wants her team to succeed, adding that she’s also heavily focused on the seniors acting as “role models for the younger girls on the team.”

An increased number of players, a new coach, more tournaments, and an emphasis on helping younger players suggests that this year will be a building year for the girls.

“After the seniors leave [next year], I’ll be the leader,” said junior golfer Amelia Green.

Green said she believes the seniors are indeed better, but that the team’s strength and future lies in its youth.

“She’s hitting it so far,” Sylvester said of Green. “It’s blowing my mind.”  

The team will compete in more matches and tournaments than in years prior. The team’s first practice was Thursday night, and their first tournament will be Monday afternoon at White Columns.