Things seem to be going well for the Falcon golfers this season after they returned from a match Friday, April 15, in which they finished fifth out of 15 teams.

Damen Hershberger led the team with 77 strokes the first day and 76 strokes the second day. Justin Shurtz finished second with 76 strokes the first day and 78 strokes the second day. 

Next Monday and Tuesday the Falcons have their conference match at Manhattan. A total of 15 teams will compete.

“We need to finish in the top three to go to regionals,” Hershberger said. 

Regionals take place the last week of April. The Friends golf team has never made it to regionals. Hershberber adds that the team is confident and expects this to be the first year the Falcons will be present at the event.

Hershberger said the team is depending on Brian Bergkamp, a freshman from South Hutchinson, to help bring in a win.

“He’s a good golfer and has a lot of potential,” Hershberger added.

Nevertheless, the team is preparing well by practicing more and playing short games.

“We need to be more cohesive and work together as teammates instead of against each other,” Hershberger said.

The team is staying positive and focused.

The coach “believes the team has a chance to go to regionals,” Hershberger said. “As for me, there’s no doubt in my mind we can make it.”