Explorer golfers capture Good Park title after senior's ' reboot'

Everyone can benefit from a refreshing boost mentally and physically from the rigors of sport – Rachel Rush showed why a “reboot” energized her game at the first Suburban League golf tournament as the gifted Hudson teen was the medalist. Too much golf can be impactful and this is why the Hudson sophomore excelled at Akron’s Good Park golf course to capture medalist honors and fuel an Explorer team title on Aug. 6. One of the area’s top sophomores, Rush fired a 77 to beat standout senior teammate Elena Varga for the top spot in the first league tourney. “Rachel played a lot of golf over the summer and I think she was starting to wear down a little bit at the end – I was hoping the high school season would be a little bit of a refresher for her and it sure seems like it was,” Hudson coach Bobby Bolin said. Varga was right behind Rush with a 78 – solidifying Hudson’s dangerous 1-2 threat. Hudson easily won the team crown 329-345 over Solon and Brecksville (356). “The girls did not get off to a fast start as a team, but they kept their composure and played really well throughout the rest of the round,” Bolin said. “I can’t say enough how important mindset is in golf and I think Rachel has figured that out,” Bolin said. “She has been able to control her emotions, stay focused, and stick to her plan throughout the round. She has all the tools necessary to be great, and I think she’s figuring that out more and more each day.” Bolin saw support at times throughout his lineup. Freshman Elizabeth Jia carded an 86 while junior returnee Kiley Gorog had an 88, one of her top rounds of the early season. Junior Molly Stock had a 94 and freshman Mya Buzzelli, a 101. The Explorers started the season with back-to-back tournaments in two days at the Hudson Lady Explorer Tournament and at the Brunswick Tee Off Classic. Hudson’s performance in a rugged field at Brunswick ended with celebratory ice cream on the ride home on Aug. 4. Varga was the medalist as Hudson placed second to Ohio powerhouse Dublin Jerome (308) with a 322. “The girls played incredible today,” said Bolin, after the action. “Elena was the medalist with a 72. She had an eagle and three birdies. Rachel played very well with an 80.” Winning out, Varga beat gifted Jerome junior Nikitha Suresh and rising Olentangy Orange sophomore Amelia Ricker, who both had a round of 73. It was Stock who opened up some eyes with her play. The returnee fired an 82 and was 20th overall. “Molly broke her personal best by six shots,” Bolin said. “Molly almost holed out for eagle on hole 3 and had a tap-in birdie.” “Elizabeth (Jia) is only a freshman and shot 88 and Kiley’s 94 was also a good day,” said Bolin. “The most important part is that the girls bonded on the van ride back and went out to get ice cream. I think they are starting to realize how special this year can be.” For the 15th Lady Explorer Tournament, the day before Brunswick – the field was loaded with strong teams as Hudson finished 11th out of 17 teams in the afternoon flight. “Rachel Rush was our low scorer with 84 and I was happy with how we played and know that it was the start of something special,” said Bolin. Rush was 21st overall. Hudson started the tournament in 2009 as Ashland beat Toledo St. Ursula that year. The tourney was not held in 2011, 2012 or in 2016. Hudson’s highest placer came in 2018 when Jenn David was the medalist with a 73. Placing 26th overall, Varga carded an 86 and was followed by Stock with a 92, Jia with 96, and Gorog, 101. Other returning Hudson seniors are Cate Chuparkoff, Madison Rosko, and Ariel Wheeler. This article originally appeared on Kent Weeklies: Explorer golfers capture Good Park title after senior's ' reboot'