Freedom’s golf team lost some key players from last year’s squad, but the Patriots still could find themselves with a winning mark this season.

“I think we’ll be right around .500,” said head coach Mike Evans. “On paper, we could be either 7-8 or 8-7. However, things could change.”

Through their first six matches this season, the Patriots had a 3-3 record.

“We recently lost a match to Parkland by 10 strokes,” added Evans. “Anytime we are within 20 strikes, things could go either way. It really comes down to three or four strokes a kid.”

The Patriots did lose Jake Haberstumpf, a four-year standout, to graduation, and Matt Ronca transferred to Liberty.

Juniors Krish Patel and Jake Grillo have set the pace early in the season, as the duo has shot in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Senior Adam Depaolis has been a welcomed newcomer.

“Krish recently shot a 78, and he should be in the high 70s and low 80s,” said Evans. “Grillo will be in the mid-80s most of the time.

“Adam Depaolis is a newcomer, and he has been in the 80s. He has the ability to be a solid contributor throughout the year. He just doesn’t have a lot of experience in big matches yet.”

Evans also will look to seniors Brain Ruhf, Carson Groner, and Chase Hendrickson, who all should be in the mix.

Sophomores Louie Pagano and Dhruv Patel also have shown some early promise.

“Pagano has made a lot of progress, and he probably can be in the four spot for us,” said Evans. “Patel also can be there for us in either the fourth or fifth spot.”

Overall, Evans likes his club’s makeup.

“We have the depth with 25 guys and three girls,” stated Evans. “We have a lot of sophomores and juniors. We just don’t have too many guys who will be consistently under 80.

“We’ll be OK this year. In the next year or two, we should be better. We just have to see how the year will break for us.”