The Northwestern golf team was dealt a huge blow with the losses of Cole Miller and Nick Vecellio from last year's team.

But with a new era on the horizon, the Tigers impressed many in their run through the Colonial League this season.

Monday's victory over Pen Argyl (445-477) stationed the Tigers at one win above .500 to end the league regular season. The Tigers finished in a three-way tie with Bangor and Saucon Valley for the final league playoff spot, but came up short of another Colonial League tournament team appearance via a tiebreaker.

"With losing Cole Miller and Nick Vecellio, that were two of the best high school golfers to probably play in the Lehigh Valley maybe ever, the kids really, really responded," head coach Tim Miller said. "We had a lot of freshmen on the team that helped push the upperclassmen to get a little better."

While the Tigers didn't qualify for Wednesday's Colonial League Golf Championships at Bethlehem Golf Club as a team, a number of golfers will take the course in the individual tournament.

Seniors Zack Caruso, who averaged 82 this season, and Brandon Eden, who averaged an 88, teed off on Wednesday in this year's league championship tournament (See next week's Press for results). Caruso shot a 92 last year, while Eden tallied a 103.

"They were two seniors that provided a lot of leadership," Tim Miller said. "They both participated last year. With our stellar record last year, we participated as a team. Unfortunately, we did not have our best performance throughout the team.

"Anything can happen in the game of golf, but I would think with their experience, they should play with a lot more confidence and be relaxed [at the league meet]."

Freshman Tyler Wiik, who played in every match for the Tigers this season, also qualified for the league tournament.

"He has proved himself as far as his playing capabilities go," Miller said. "When you get into a tournament like this where it's just the very best performing players throughout the season, you're matching yourself up against the best players in the Colonial League. But knowing Tyler and seeing how his scores have improved over the years, I expect him to have a really good experience."

Wiik, along with a number of other underclassmen, have been key parts to the Tigers' successful season. It's a solid mix of talent across all grades that only bodes well for Miller's squad in the future.

That future begins with this season's crop of freshmen talent that just wrapped up their inaugural seasons.

"I'm extremely excited about the freshman that have came out," Miller said. "They have worked extremely hard, and they've listened to my instructions. They were there at all of the practices to really push the upperclassmen to get better.

"These freshmen were continuously right on the heels of the upperclassmen, letting them know that if you're not out there working on your skills and really trying to pay attention to what you do, they were going to take some spots."

Sophomore Julius Mitel, junior Brandon Segan had solid campaigns for the Tigers as well.

"I think we have a really good nucleus of young players that, with a little bit of luck and a little bit of guidance, Northwestern is going to be one of the teams to really be looking for," Miller said.