The Lincoln High School Golf Team heads into the upcoming season with optimism and returning talent. According to head coach Nick Maresca, the team has a strong foundation that could lead to success both in their division and state level.
“We have a core of 11 student athletes coming back from last year’s team,” Maresca said. “We have a lot of potential and between this year and next year we look to do really well in our division and in the state championship.”
After a competitive season last year, Lincoln enters the new season with many experienced players ready to step up. Senior Josh Bergeron is expected to be a key contributor after missing the past couple seasons due to basketball injuries. The team will also rely heavily on a strong group of juniors, including Luke Cavanaugh, Will Aiken, Evan Lewis, Sean Carrol, and Corey Campagnone.
“We have several star players actually,” Maresca said. “We have a lot of players who are at a really high skill level.”
Another senior expected to play an important role is Aaron Cantor, a three-year player for the program. For the players, the team has a clear goal in mind.
“The team’s goals this year are to have fun and try to win the division,” Cavanaugh said.
Lewis echoed a similar mindset, saying the team is focused on competing for the top spot.
“I would say to win the division is a common goal among the team,” Lewis said
The team may face challenges along the way, particularly when playing unfamiliar courses.
“We might face some challenges of new courses that we haven’t played in the past that could be difficult,” Cavanaugh said
Lewis agreed, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the team.
“The thing I enjoy the most about the team is the brotherhood and atmosphere that is created,” he said.
LHS will face tough competition in its division, particularly from Smithfield High School Golf Team and Cumberland High School Golf Team, which Maresca identified as the team’s biggest opponents this season.
The Lions are especially motivated after last season ended in loss. Lincoln narrowly missed qualifying for the Rhode Island High School Golf State Championship as a team.
“We missed the state championship as a team by about less than half a stroke, so it was really close.” Maresca said. “So we look forward to qualifying for the state championship this year as a team”
Despite missing team qualification, two Lincoln players still advanced to the individual state championship. The team also performed well in the Division ll Golf Championship, finishing third overall.
With a deep roster of returning players, and strong leadership, Lincoln looked to be a strong contender in its division this year.
