SANDPOINT — Four Bulldog boys and three Bulldog girls return with state experience for the Bulldog golf team, which tees up the 2017 season with high hopes for a run at some state hardware.

The Bulldog girls have three players capable of shooting under 100 in seniors Caroline Hawkins, Nina McDonnell and Hannah Hurst. The three played a key role in the Bulldog girls finishing fifth at state last season, with McDonnell leading the way with a pair of strong rounds at 94 and 102, followed by Hawkins (106, 117) and Hurst (119, 108).

Bulldog head coach Tom Tharp feels with another year under their belts the trio could help the Bulldogs to an encore performance after one of their best seasons in recent memory.

“We want to get back to state,” said Tharp of the girls team. “If we make it, my goal is to get on the podium.”

Hawkins and McDonnell took turns leading the Bulldogs last season, and Hurst has the ability to crack 100. Tharp is hoping seniors Cheyenne Nicholson and Hannah Fingel, or junior Morgan Hogue can step up and fill that all-important fourth scoring position on varsity.

If that happens, the Bulldogs have the talent to defend their district title and make some noise at state for the first time in the program’s history.

“Nina is a good ball striker and she can keep it in play,” described Tharp, lauding the hard work of Hawkins. “Caroline is a long hitter. She practices more than anybody. She’s got her heart in it.”

Leading a talented and experienced Bulldog boys squad are seniors Nick Crowley and Damien Fitzpatrick, the Bulldogs’ 1a and 1b players, with both playing a key role in last year’s seventh place finish at state.

Fitzpatrick is long off the tee, and as his round of 77 at the Idaho Club and rounds of 84 and 93 under the pressure of state last year showed, is a consistent player. With the hard working Crowley, who shot 79 at the Idaho Club and went 91,93 at state, the Bulldogs have a pair of sticks to anchor the lineup.

Golf is a mental challenge, as much as anything, which bodes well for Crowley.

“Nick is very positive,” praised Tharp. “He’s put in a lot of time, our most dedicated player.”

Lake Wilks and Jacob Humrich also return with state experience for the Bulldogs, with Wilks carding a 90 and 107 at state, and Humrich 110,120. It will take all four, along with either sophomores Caelan Darling or Joel Johnson, for the Bulldogs to punch their ticket to state.

The Bulldogs will play host to districts on May 2, which will be played at the Idaho Club, a huge home course advantage for the Bulldogs.