Can anyone top Mountain Valley?

It’s been two years since the Falcons have gone down in defeat in regular season MVC golf, and last year they marched on to the conference championship. A quick glance would lead you to believe that with four starters gone, they are in trouble.

Unfortunately for everyone else, that’s not the case.

“I’m still thinking we look pretty good,” said coach Steve Hodgkins. “We aren’t going to be a powerhouse like we were last year, but we aren’t going to be out of any match, either.”

Kevin Capponi is the lone returning letter winner and is only a junior. The rest of the team expected to play at the varsity level is in 10th grade, leading many to believe that this may not be the year but that the next two seasons look pretty scary.

Among the top challengers are Winthrop, perennially a strong golf school, and Monmouth, a first-year varsity program that last year nearly upended Winthrop in a scrimmage.

“We didn’t lose anybody from last year’s club, really,” said Monmouth coach Chris Murphy.

“Everyone playing this year played last year, and we’ve been trying to work with them over the summer on their games.”

Murphy has the advantage of being a teaching professional at a driving range, so working with the golfers on his team comes naturally.

At Winthrop, five returning letter winners complement three promising newcomers, and the Ramblers seem to be right on track.

“There’s just so much we don’t know about this season,” said coach Scott Eldridge. “This conference is really wide open this year.”

Wiscasset also will bring a formidable team to the course this season, making the MVC pack as deep as it has been in years.

Jay has been strong in the past, and has a couple of players returning that could lead the team. Another thing that may help the Tigers is the addition of a coach that is no stranger to winning. Dirigo girls’ basketball coach Gavin Kane out of Wilson Lake will lead the Tigers, who play their home matches at the Wilton layout.

Telstar lost several players to other sports, which will affects the Rebels’ chances in the MVC. With those players, the Rebels had a chance at the top as well. Now, according to coach Jim Lunney, the season may have to focus more on “individual goals.” Brady Chapman, only a sophomore, is expected to be No. 1 player.

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