PREBLE COUNTY — Eaton and National Trail will field girls golf teams this year. Eaton will play a limited schedule, while Trail’s team returns for a second straight season.

Eaton’s Sarah Willis and Trail’s Makenna Jones are the top returning players. Willis is the defending Division II state champion, while Jones placed ninth at the state tournament a year ago.

Eaton

Coach’s name: Randy Titkemyer/Tim Appledorn:

Eaton has five girls playing this fall. In addition to Willis, a senior, there are three freshman and a sophomore on the roster. Willis (Sr) (playing boys and girls), Nakita Albinus (So), Ainesleigh Elstro (Fr), Alina Fore (Fr), and Carly Bricker (Fr).

Willis — a two-time state qualifier — has committed to play her college golf at Penn State and will be looking to get back to state for a third time.

“As good as she is, it’s always very difficult to repeat. But she obviously can. If she gets back it will be three out of four years that she’s made it to state. She’s had a very competitive and successful summer. She’s ready to go. The recruiting thing is out of the way with the commitment to Penn State,” Titkemeyer said. “So she should be able to relax and really enjoy her high school senior year.

“It is nice to have girls golf back at Eaton,” Appledorn said. “We are building a small schedule for just the girls but they will also see some action with the JV boys team as well (except Sarah). Ainesleigh led the JV team at the Brookville Invite with a 101.

The team recently traveled to Beechwood last week and played Tri-Village. Tri-Village came away with the win 230-233. Sarah shot a 1-under 35, Alina shot 63, Ainesleigh 66 and Carly 69.

“We will look to put together a full girls schedule for next season,” Appledorn said.

National Trail

Coach’s name: Jordan Schlamb

Number of year’s as coach at current school: 2nd

The Blazers have three returning varsity players this year.

Makenna Jones, who is a sophomore this year, finished 9th in state last year.

Savanna Abner, who is junior this year, placed 5th in the CCC last year.

Michelle Massa, the only senior on the team, just started playing last year and has developed into a good golfer and expect good things from her this year, according to Schlamb.

The Blazers have one new golfer — freshman Cailtin Gilland. “This is the first time she has ever played golf and being only a few weeks into the season is getting to be a good player,” Schlamb said.

“This year we look to be at or near the top of the league and hope to make it past sectionals this year which we missed last year by just a few strokes,” Schlamb said.