The Covington Lady Buccs golf team looks to capture some more hardware in 2008.

Covington coach Ron Schultz has come up with a motto for the 2008 season to keep his team focused on the goal. That motto is "The Drive For Five", as in five Cross County Conference titles.

"We've either been champs or co-champs in the CCC in four of the last six years, including three in a row in the last three years," Schultz said. "We lost a lot in Amanda Fritts and Cali Jo Deeter, but we're hoping some of the younger players can step right in and perform."

Fritts was the "Player of the Year" in the CCC a year ago, while Deeter was a CCC Tournament Medalist and is now playing golf at Defiance.

"We've had some outstanding golfers here over the past few years," Schultz explained. "Not only Fritts and Deeter, by Ashley Johnson was the Player of the Year in the CCC and she is entering her sophomore season at Ohio Northern University as their number two golfer."

Covington does return four letter winners, including senior Renee Otte and junior Sarah Westfall. Both have experience and already have made in impact on the program.

"Renee is a three-time letter winner and a two-time All-CCC selection, so she'll be our team leader," said Schultz. "Sarah is a two-time letter winner and a two-time All-CCC selection as well, so we have two girls who will set the tone."

Other returning letter winners are sophomores Chloe Shell and Nicole Henson.

"Chloe and Nichole have both shown improvement from last year and will be counted on to help the team stay competitive," Schultz said.

New players on the team this year include Sophmores Myranda Kelly, Shelby Pleiman and Tabitha Snider.

"None of these girls have any golf experience, but they are working hard and improving by leaps and bounds," praised Schultz. "They have bright futures."

The goal of claiming another CCC title is high on the priority list, but qualifying for the district tournament is right up there.

"This year for the first time in OHSAA history there will be two divisions in girls golf, so we have a good shot," Schultz said. "The main goal however, is to improve golf skills and make golf a pleasurable experience."

Having a winning program makes it that much more pleasurable.