Fortified by a large turnout of returnees, the competition for starting spots among area prep girls’ golf teams is going to be tough heading into the 2003 season.

Glenwood Springs will be the only area squad to compete in Monday’s Western Slope tour opener at Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction. Rifle enters the fray at Tuesday’s Tiger Invitational at Grand Junction’s Bookcliff County Club.

Grand Valley has opted for a late start. Cardinal head coach John Loschke said his team will begin play in April after spring break.

The Demons welcome back six lettermen among the 18 girls out for the 2003 team.

Weather has been a problem for the Demons, who have not been able to get any course time in until Friday’s practice at Rifle Creek.

Top contenders for varsity spots include seniors Michelle Whiddon, Ali Tonozzi and Andrea Collier, juniors Stephanie Matthews and Kammie Ivie and sophomore Jacy Reynolds.

Other challengers include senior Amy Grosholz, junior Mai Le Keller, sophomore Tracy Hawkins and freshman Hannah Greenstreet.

Steve LaDonne, the pro at Rifle Creek Golf Course, has taken over the girls’ head coaching duties from Penny Sykes.

LaDonne, who also coaches Rifle’s boys team in the fall, has 14 girls out for this year’s squad.

He sees the Bear varsity shaping up between seven golfers.

Six of the seven are seniors. That group includes Skylar Bell, Caitlyn Wagner, Christian Holybee, Emily Schibi, Erika Graham and Stacie Kagie. Jenny Hughes, who saw time with the varsity last year is a junior.

Grand Valley’s roster fluctuates daily, accordingly to Loschke. The coach and assistant Ron Davis currently have five golfers to work with.

Sophomore Niki Loschke is a returning letterman and could sway between the Nos. 1-3 spot in this year’s lineup.

Junior Sacha Hiekkila is the Cardinals’ other returnee. The remainder of the team consists of senior transfer Krystal Clark, sophomore Trish Bride and freshman Megan Braby.