Sharon High Golf Most Talented In Coach's 11 Seasons

The golf team hit a mark before Wednesday's season opener against Attleboro.

"This team probably has the most talent that I've had in my 11 years," head coach Thor Van Vaerenewyck said.

That talented roster also is young: two seniors, six juniors and seven sophomores.

That said, "everybody played over the summer," Van Vaerenewyck said.

"They really like golf. They get better every year. So, I think we're going to have a successful season," said the coach, whose Eagles went 6-8 in 2010.

"Even though we're young, with a lot of sophomores and juniors, we do have some match experience. Most of the kids who are going to be playing in matches played in matches last year. And they've played in tournaments. So they understand that tournament atmosphere."

Seniors Joey Dalabon and Isabel Southard will lead the 2011 team.

Dalabon, the captain, was Sharon's lone junior last season, Van Vaerenewyck said.

"He started as a freshman and then continued to get better," the coach said.

"He understands how to practice, how to get better, and then when you're struggling a little bit, he knows how to work through that. So, I'm sure he can help some of the young kids get through that."

returns after spending her junior year at the Windermere Preparatory School in Florida and attending a golf academy near the school.

Saturday and Sunday, she played for Team New England, which defeated Team USA, 63-17, at the , held at the Boston Golf Club in Hingham.

Sharon opens against Attleboro at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Sharon Country Club.

The Eagles won last year's match, at Attleboro, Van Vaerenewyck said.

"They didn't have a really good season last year, so we're looking for a good win to get the season started," he said.

"We're at home, so it really should be a comfortable win."

Check out Sharon Patch's prior fall 2011 season previews: