Strong Newcomer Adds To Optimism For Girls' Golf Season

April 5, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Golf has heavily impacted the life of Cheshire High School freshman Andra Frappier. Not only has she made many new friends, but the game also challenges her each time she takes the course.
“I've played for so long,” recalled Frappier, who started playing at age three. “It has my heart and makes me want to get better.”
Frappier already rivals players more than twice her age. She was invited to join the East Mountain Women‘s Club in Waterbury a few years ago. Frappier has enjoyed playing in several different tournaments.
“I've learned a lot of lifelong lessons. They give me advice for college and tell me to just do what I've been doing,“ explained Frappier. “I would like to win Player of the Year for (Connecticut 15-18 division) PGA.”
She can't wait to make more special moments at CHS. Head Coach John Williams has cited having fun as his number one goal annually.
“I'm very excited. Ever since I met Mr. Williams and the team, I've been looking forward to it,” reflected Frappier.
“She has a tremendous compact swing,” added Williams. “I have never seen her shoot a course other than the first tee yet, but she is confident and understands the game.”
The addition of Frappier further strengthens Cheshire's meteoric rise. In five years under Williams, they have dropped their stroke average from 90 to 59. Last year's 17-5 record was the strongest in school history and they reached the State Open consecutively for the first time. Williams viewed the State Open as the ultimate goal, when he started coaching.
“Since we made it those years, it is the goal again,” explained Williams. “It is a challenge because you need consistent scoring. It gets tougher every year because there are a lot of great teams out there.”
That is definitely the goal,” added Brittany Robles, a senior captain with Abby Ehrlich and Brynna Rao. “Making states three times in a row would be great. It’s something we’ve never done before.”
Cheshire graduated three-year starters Caitlin Victory and Molly Gleeton. Victory held the lowest stroke average in each of those seasons, earning All-Southern Connecticut Girls Golf League over the last two years. Gleeton led as a two-time captain.
But, building depth has pivotal to the program's success. Senior Abby Ehrlich is also a two-time captain. Ehrlich and Robles have played varsity for the last two years. Alongside junior Meg Aitro, they helped Cheshire place 12th (423) in the state last year.
“I'm very optimistic,” said Williams. “I think we will fill the shoes of those players (Victory, Gleeton). We counted on Cait to score (at the top), but we have people who can step up in a match.”
“I feel more prepared this year. Molly (Gleeton) took the reins last year and I followed her lead," explained Ehrlich, of being captain. “I'm glad there are so many younger kids for when we leave.”
The captains take pride in the program's growth and spread the word around school.
The junior class returns depth. Aitro has been a steady performer and Emma Velcofsky enjoyed a career-best performance against Mercy last year. Williams feels that Jess Rotell and Julia Strobel are capable of strong seasons.
“When she (Velcofsky) shot a 49, that was her breakout match. It was a pleasant surprise when she came in,“ recalled Williams. “In order to qualify for states, we have to lower our differential again. My dream was always to have four girls shooting 50s, but now we are at the point of sub 45 and 50s. It's a number's game.”
Robles’ improvement has been recognized, twice receiving Most Improved Player. She now scores in the low 50s consistently.
“When I started as a freshman, I played golf. But wasn’t that serious about it,” recalled Robles. “My score was in the low 60s. But I started playing and fell in love with it. I can play with my dad and it has helped us to bond more.”
The girls have developed rivalries within the SCGGL. Cheshire secured the bronze medal (374) at last year's tournament, but they were just four strokes away from Avon in first place. Recent matches with Avon (May 4, May 25) and Canton (May 5 and 13) have been tight.
“They are our top competition. We always like to play against them,” added Ehrlich, who plays year round. “If we didn't do it, we wouldn't be shooting the scores we are right now.”
“Mercy has picked it up now,” said Williams. “H-K (Haddam-Killingworth; April 26) has a new coach and Suffield (April 27, May 20) has a great golfer.”
The 2010 SCGGL event will be held June 1, at Traditions Golf Course. Orange Hill Country Club will host the State Open on June 8. Cheshire visits Masuk for their season opener on April 8, at 3 p.m.
“The neatest thing is how excited the girls get for the score,” reflected Williams. “They anxiously anticipate that point.”