It is a very exciting time to be a member of the Marlboro girls’ golf team.
The Dukes are coming off an unbeaten season, and will return everyone. That includes their top-returning golfer Alexa Trapani, who isn’t even in high school yet.

Trapani, as a seventh grader, finished seventh in the Section 9 championship meet and was a New York State Public High School Athletic Association qualifier.

Trapani leads Marlboro’s returners, along with sophomore Gwen Benninger, who qualified for the Section 9 championship meet.

Marlboro coach Gary Trapani – Alexa’s father – also would like to see at least one more individual qualify for the state tournament.

“I’m very excited to have Alexa Trapani back,” coach Trapani said. “She had a great seventh-grade season and has been working hard in the offseason.”

New golfers this year include Madison Markle, Rebecca Panio, Taylor Trapani and Isabella DeSantis.

“Gwen Benninger and Madison Markle have also put in time to get better,” coach Trapani said.

Before they can think about qualifying other golfers for states, the Dukes are looking to repeat as division champions and compete for a Section 9 championship.

“With nine girls on the team, golfers will have to compete for spots three and four in matches,” coach Trapani said. “Competition will only make them better. I’m very excited to see what the season brings.”

The Highland Huskies, who share Apple Greens Golf Course as a home with Marlboro, enter the new season, looking to be competitive.

The Huskies lost Kylie VanZandt, but return senior Grace Koehler and juniors Sierra Wiser, Breanna Vernon and Janelle Landell. Newcomers include Lia Osterhoudt and Nicollette Billoti.

“We hope to work together to make everyone better,” Highland coach Mike Milliman said.