Breakers look to rebuild for future

The Laguna Beach High girls’ golf team opened its season Wednesday against Sage Hill, and the Breakers dropped a 222-249 match to the Lightning at Aliso Creek Golf Course in Laguna Beach (par 32).

Sophomore Leslie Dwight had the low score for Laguna at 45. She was followed by sophomore Mary Kate Quellmalz (48), junior Jackie McMahon (50), junior Jamie Hendrickson (52), junior Audrey Curtis (54) and junior Hailey Quigley (59).

“The girls made good decisions and managed their games well, so overall we are pleased with their effort,” Laguna assistant coach Sean Quigley said. “This was a solid score for their first match and their current skill level. If we continue to improve and sharpen up our short-game shots, we will be competitive in league play.”

The Breakers lost four All-Orange Coast League players from last year’s team, one that finished in second place behind Estancia after dropping a tie-breaker match against the Eagles at the league finals tournament. Laguna does return four golfers, including McMahon who is the team’s captain for the 2012 season.

Laguna resumes play Tuesday against Aliso Niguel at 2:30 p.m. at Aliso Viejo Country Club, the home course for the Breakers.

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The Team

League: Orange Coast

Head coach: Scott Finn (second year)

Coaching staff: Sean Quigley

2011 overall record: 5-7

2011 league finish: Second

Returning players: Jackie McMahon (Jr.); Leslie Dwight (Soph.); Jamie Hendrickson (Jr.); Mary Kate Quellmalz (Soph.).

Varsity newcomers: Audrey Curtis (Jr.); Hailey Quigley (Jr.).

Outlook: “We have a young team of developing players this year,” Quigley said. “The team has good chemistry and our new team captain, Jackie McMahon, is doing a good job stepping into a leadership role. We do not have any seniors on the team this year, so we are focused on improving each player’s skill level and getting them playing experience in order to build a solid foundation for the future.”

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The Schedule

Monday: at Aliso Niguel (2:30 p.m., Aliso Viejo Country Club)

Sept. 17: at Sage Hill (2:30 p.m. Strawberry Farms)

Sept. 19: vs. Aliso Niguel (2:30 p.m., Aliso Creek GC)

Sept. 24: at *Estancia (2:30 p.m., Mesa Linda GC)

Sept. 26: at *Calvary Chapel (2:30 p.m., Mile Square Park)

Oct. 3: at *Costa Mesa (2:30 p.m., Mesa Linda GC)

Oct. 8: at *Estancia (2:30 p.m., Mesa Linda GC)

Oct. 10: at *Calvary Chapel (2:30 p.m., Mile Square Park)

Oct. 17: at *Costa Mesa (2:30 p.m., at Mesa Linda GC)

Oct. 23-24: League finals (TBA)

Nov. 1: CIF Individual Regionals (TBA)