Their own time to shine: Experienced Mount Si girls golfers look to go far

This is her time. Last year could have been, but the very focused Mount Si senior Danielle Burns was sidelined for half a season by injury as a junior. She lettered, and ended up playing one-handed in the league tournament last season, missing the cut to districts, amazingly, by 17 strokes. Already college committed to Methodist University in North Carolina, she'd love to get another shot at state. "I'm here to play, and I'm here to go as far as I can," Burns said.

March 15, 2013 7:55 pm

This is her time.

Last year could have been, but the very focused Mount Si senior Danielle Burns was sidelined for half a season by injury as a junior. She lettered, and ended up playing one-handed in the league tournament last season, missing the cut to districts, amazingly, by 17 strokes.

Already college committed to Methodist University in North Carolina, she’d love to get another shot at state.

“I’m here to play, and I’m here to go as far as I can,” Burns said.

She’s part of a likely top three for the Mount Si girls golf team that includes junior Tabitha Dorn and incoming freshman Caitlyn Maralack.

Dorn says she comes to this year with a new, patient attitude. She wants to play her best, every week, and seeks a score in the low 80s.

Golf is “my way of getting away,” Dorn says. “It’s something of my own.”

Besides Burns, seniors include Cecelia Dixon and Paxton Richardson. The team is rounded out by Bianca Backman, Samantha Inman, Megan Ayers.

These golfers seem into the game, says head coach Brandon Proudfoot. All come in with experience. That makes for a good depth in the mix of the top six and the potential for the best season in years.

“There’s definitely some potential in them,” Burns says of the younger players. “They already hit pretty well. My advice is for them to stay with it. Golf is such a hard sport, it’s really easy to get down on yourself.”

Dealing with injury was tough, but with the help of her team, Burns was able to get back.

“I’m still playing and loving golf as much as I was before.”

You can follow Mount Si girls golf at http://www.kingcogolf.com/home/girls-golf/2a-3a-league/results-by-school/mount-si

Mount Si girls golf schedule

Thursday, March 14

• Mount Si vs. Interlake, Liberty and Mercer Island at Maplewood, 3 p.m.

Monday, March 18

• Mount Si vs. Bellevue, Interlake and Sammamish at Bellevue Municipal, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 21

• Mount Si vs. Interlake, Juanita and Lake Washington at Tam O’Shanter, 3:30 p.m.

Monday, March 25

• Mount Si hosts Juanita at Mount Si Golf Course, 3 p.m.