Drew takes over top spot in girls golf lineup

Sophomore Olivia Drew began the season two weeks ago as the No. 2 golfer on the resurrected Benton High School girls golf team.
And in Week 2, she moved up to take over the No. 1 slot as the Rangerettes continued to show improvement on the links.
"Although golf has always been in my family - my dad and grandpa played - I've been playing golf for just a couple of months," Drew said. "I honestly enjoy golf because it's a challenge. When you do really well, it's real exciting."
Drew's father, Bryan, played golf at Benton High School before playing at Rend Lake College (1994-1995) where he was "Co-Student Athlete of the Year" and also played at St. Louis University.
"There was talk my freshman year that the team was going to be brought back, so when I had the opportunity to be part of the girls golf team, I said I would do it," Drew said. "Luckily, other girls showed an interest in it, as well. I think everybody on the team is putting in a lot of effort. All of us on the team are beginners, but we've come a long way. I hope we continue to improve with coach (Courtney) Poole's help. She's a fantastic coach."
The Rangerettes opened their first season in 15 years against Hamilton County at home and shot a 251. Drew was playing in her first competitive match and ended up shooting a 58, one stroke behind freshman Alyssa Dawson.
Last week, Benton traveled to Hamilton County to play the Lady Foxes, Mt.Carmel and Christ Our Rock Lutheran and improved by eight strokes with a 243.
Drew moved into the No. 1 spot and led the team with a 55 with Dawson finishing second at 59.
Two days later, the Rangerettes played at Harrisburg against the Lady Bulldogs and Mt. Carmel again. Benton shot 244 with both Drew and Dawson tying for the team lead at 56.
"I'm very pleased with my scores," Drew said. "For it being my first year, I think I'm doing alright."
Benton was scheduled to travel to Carmi-White County Tuesday.