The Purple Roses Boys and Girls golf teams shared a similar goal this season: They both wanted to exceed last season’s accomplishments. In order to go farther in the post-season, both teams practiced year round and unlike last year, both teams had varsity and junior varsity squads. Coach Connelly and Coach Pignataro were happy to see new faces as it strengthens the program’s future.
The Girls varsity golf team had a positive outlook going into the season. Captains Samantha Boehmcke and Clare Peropat led the team consisting of Bridget Burrus, Annie Butler, Kayla Coan, Kelly Crines, Kirsten Heine, Lauren Hickey, Samantha Loori, and Ava O’Shaughnessy. Their final record was 7-6, achieving their goal of having a winning season. As a team the girls placed fourth out of thirteen schools in the Monmouth County Tournament. Sam Loori placed eighth individually and Sam Boehmcke placed eleventh. In the Shore Conference tournament Sam Boehmcke placed ninth individually. Next year the girls will return the whole team except for senior captain Clare Peropat. Co-captain Sam Boehmcke is confident that next season the girls will be just as strong. “Our season was extremely successful this year and we shocked everyone finishing above 500. It was really awesome to see the freshmen step up and play in a ton of matches. I’m very excited for the upcoming season next year because this team has a bright future ahead of them.”
The Boys varsity team consisted of Captain Patrick Gates, Chris Gowen, Jack McDonough, Noah Conforti, Chuck Ruchalski, and Jared Scheininger. The boys were determined to start off the season “watchchasing” referring to the watches the winners of the Tournament of Champions receive. This motivation proved evident throughout the season. The boys placed second in three tournaments and third in three as well. Their regular season record was 16-1, their only loss being Manasquan. The boys are ranked second in the Shore Conference and fifth in the state. The boys also won their seventh consecutive State Sectional Non Public B South title. Although they did not manage to clinch the Tournament of Champions title, the boys are looking forward to next year. The team should be just as forceful because the whole team is returning.
The boys and girls golf team proved that hard work pays off. They both intend to carry their success into next year. With their work ethic, anything is possible for the Purple Roses.

By Ava O’Shaughnessy‘17