Story by Frank Rizzo and Claire Stabbert
HIGHLAND — For the second year in a row, Danielle Stratton of Fallsburg will be competing at the New York State golf tournament, slated for June 9-10 at SUNY-Delhi.
“I’m so excited that, not only did I qualify for states again, but I tied for fourth. That’s a great accomplishment for a sophomore,” Stratton said. “I always feel I could have played better, missed putts that I should have made, and had a few hooks here and there. But that’s all part of the game. I learn from my mistakes and practice them until I have it down. Practice can only help you improve.
She added, “Apple greens is one of my favorite courses and it’s incredibly groomed. I really enjoy the scenery as well. On Monday only the scores for nine holes counted since we got cut short from the rain. I made one birdie and two pars. Wednesday we played the full 18 and I had two pars. I went from shooting in the mid and low 50s to high and mid 40s. Looking forward to playing Delhi again. The experience last year was great! “
Coach Brian Garber’s Lady Comets enjoyed a good year.
“Four girls qualified [for Section IX] and all played well.,” he said, saying of the season, “They were all consistent with their stroke average and it was nice to see you younger players do so well.”
Of the upcoming state tourney he commented, “I expect Danielle at states to score below what her average was [and] improve. She’s very consistent and one of her strongest points is she doesn’t get down on herself. Many other players will have a bad hole and it will throw their game off but Danielle doesn’t worry about the other players.”

Section IX Golf Girls Championship
May 21 and 23 at Apple Greens GC, Highland, par 71. Due to rain, only 27 of the 26 scheduled holes were played. Top nine advance to the state tournament June 9-10 at SUNY Delhi.
Individual results (27 holes): 1. Meg Ryan (Warwick) 38-79–117; 2. Katie Krahulik (Warwick) 45-85-130; 3. Hannah Fleckenstein (Newburgh) 42-91-133; 4. Bernice Lee (New Paltz) 50-90-140; 4. Danielle Stratton (Fallsburg) 45-95-140; 6. Ciarra Fragale (Valley Central) 48-95-143; 7. Caroline Roberto (Highland) 46-98-144; 8. Kendra DiMartino (Valley Central) 46-101-147; 9. Alice Lee (New Paltz) 47-103-150; 10. Katie O’Reilly (Warwick) 49-103-152; 11. Katelyn Davis (Coleman Catholic) 55-98-153; 12. Brooke Rappaport (Fallsburg) 51-105-156; 13. Bridget DeHan (Warwick) 53-106-159; 14. Abby Baker (Valley Central) 55-105-160; 15. Ashley Boyd (Newburgh) 56-107-163; 16. Daphne Muzuruk (Sullivan West) 54-113- 167; 17. Savannah Maas (Burke Catholic) 53-116-169; 18. Christina Herschel (Burke Catholic) 59-114-173; 19. Kristen Beck (New Paltz) 58-116-174; 20, Madison Levine (Fallsburg) 57-131-188; 21. Olay Ballerella (Coleman Catholic) 59-132-191.
DNF: Melissa Melko (Fallsburg).