With Emmy Burling battling illness, Sherry Du and Ellie Davis showed why they are such valuable seniors for the Hudson girls golf team.
Experience helped Hudson captured its third straight Suburban League National Conference tournament this fall Sunday at Stow’s Fox Den Golf Course. The Explorers won 311-321 over runner-up Stow.
Burling fought through to place fourth overall.
“Emmy has not been feeling well, but she went out and battled with an incredible round of 76 (36-40),” said coach Bobby Bolin. “Any day that she steps onto the golf course, something special could happen.”
Du knows about success in the league as the two-time first-team selection was the Player of the Year in 2021. She is getting consistent and had a round of 77 (37-40).
“That could have been an even better round,” said Du.
“Sherry is starting to settle back in to where she was at the beginning of the season,” said Bolin.
Davis has been hot recently and added a 78 (36-42).
“I cannot be any prouder of Ellie,” said Bolin. “When you see a player get locked in and they are clearly in the zone, you just back off and enjoy. She had three birdies in a span of five holes, including the second hole, which I think is one of the most difficult holes at Fox Den. Then she birdied number three. Her teammates were overjoyed to celebrate with her.”
Junior Julia Van Bokkelen added an 80 (38-42) and freshman Elena Varga had an 81 (40-41).
“Julia is as analytical as you can be on the golf course and puts in more work than anyone I have ever seen and today is an example of that hard work paying off,” noted Bolin, after the tourney.
“Elena is a special person,” said the coach. “She enjoys every aspect of playing high school golf and I never want her to lose that energy. She has contributed from day one.”
McKenna Kiewatt (92) also helped.
“McKenna really sets the mood for the team,” said Bolin. “I don’t think she realizes the positive impact she has on the chemistry of our team. She is the one starting the nostalgia music quiz (from 2017) on the van ride, the one making everyone laugh, and is the one keeping everyone in the team mindset. She has played excellent golf over the past few weeks, and as a sophomore, has a huge upside. I think she is starting to realize how good she is and how good she can be.”
Behind the play of Davis, Hudson (3-0) edged Hathaway Brown 176-177 at Shaker Heights Country Club.
Du led with a 41, but it was Davis (44) who sank a 4-foot bogey putt on hole nine to seal the win!
“Ellie is such an important part of our team,” remarked Bolin. “She provides depth that many teams don’t have. Ellie played a consistent, impressive round of golf on an
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson girls golf uses team depth to win third league tournament
