The Whitehall golf team teed off last week to begin the 2014 season, driving into league play right at the outset of the new year.

The Zephs dropped their first three matches, losing to East Stroudsburg South High School in the opener Aug. 18, 459 to 509. That was followed by a tri-match against Freedom and Pocono Mountain West High Schools on Aug 21 at Willow Brook Golf Course.

In the tri-match, Whitehall posted a 536 for their round, while PMW finished with a 471, and Freedom shot a 423. Incidentally, the Patriots feature Helen Hsu who placed second last year among the girls in the District XI Individual Golf Championships. Hsu shot a 76, claiming the best round by one stroke, besting teammate Zach Juhasz for that honor.

Playing in the tri-match for the Zephs were Patrick Glasgow (91), Thomas Baker (102), Patrick Skinner (115), Ben Antonchak (118) and Chase Hutterer (110).

In the match against the Cavaliers, Glasgow sot a 91, while Baker was second with a 93 and Hutterer posted a 98.

While they didn't walk off the course with a win, their ability to compete on an even playing field was a step in the right direction for the program. Head coach John Conrad said he was encouraged by what he saw on the links.

"It's encouraging because we have fifty percent freshman on our team," said Conrad. "A lot of guys have shown remarkable improvement so far. If that continues, we'll have a bright future."

Conrad knows it will take some time, but he believes if the kids stick with it, they can make steady improvement.

"When you have so many freshmen, you can't hope but to look at the future," he said.

Glasgow, their No. 1, has shot 91 each time out to start the year. Conrad said the senior is having trouble right now with his short game and is working diligently to correct that aspect of his game. Conrad believes it's just a matter of time before he improves his game and lowers his score.

"It may be the next day, if not that night, but he's working on it," said Conrad.

Conrad said the senior is capable of shooting in the low 80s, and he's confident that he'll get to that mark.

As they continue to traverse new ground in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, Conrad knows his young team will experience some growing pains. They just have to focus on each shot and let the rest take care of itself. He said they strive to get better, putting in the time to enhance their game.

"They're out there every day working hard," said Conrad. "That's all we can ask."