BY GERARDO BOLONG
Contributing Writer
KENT - Mt. Rainier freshman Kennedy Knox carded a 2-under par 34 on the Riverbend Country Club front nine to earn medalist honors for the fourth time in five matches at an 88-63 team loss to NPSL 4A girls golf powerhouse Kentwood in 81 degree temperatures on Thurs., Sept. 28.
Knox depended upon her short game and putting to also lead all point scorers for both squads with 29.
"I knew I needed a strong start against a tough player," Knox said. "I birdied the first hole from nine feet away and the third hole from seven feet away after a bunker shot. My putting and short game made up for my driver not being as accurate. My up and down game was solid and I should have made a few more putts."
Alyssa Konopaski shot 45 while gaining 20 Ram points.
"It wasn't my best, " she said. "I didn't take advantage of the course conditions."
Senior Carley Bonds notched seven points as Gracie Humphries and Alison McGrath each added three points. Nicole Baker notched a point to close out the Mt. Rainier scoring.
The Conquerors of Kentwood won the team match with double digit scoring from five out of six players.
KW freshman Erika Ito posted a 39 with 24 points. Allysa Reyes notched a 47 and 16 Conqueror points closely followed by Emily Fisher's 48 with 15 points.
Additional double figure scorers were Hunter Humbert at 13 and Makayla Raap with 11. Madison Stansell just missed double figures by posting nine points.
"This was a good match for our team," said Mt. Rainier head coach Rob Caudillo. "Kentwood is a strong team. Our top two players (Knox and Konopaski) are scoring good points. Today was a great round for Kennedy. She's getting in position for the Medalist tournament (at Gold Mountain) as is Alyssa. Nicole and Alison did well. Grace is coming along. Everyone contributed points."
The only other loss for the Lady Rams in five matches was a 49-42 defeat by Kennedy Catholic. Kentwood remained unbeaten after six team encounters.
Tyler Matthews is the assistant MR coach while the team has an interesting mix of experience.
Team captain Konopaski returns as a junior following last spring's 4A state participation in Spokane,WA., as she looks to improve her performance. Senior Bonds returns to the varsity. Sophomore Humphries returns after her initial season of playing competitive high school golf. Sophomore Baker along juniors Katherine Bul and McGrath join the team, as well.
The performances by Knox come as no surprise because she possesses a wealth of junior and amateur experience to augment her good set of technical golfing skills.
