The coach is not all that is new with Pittston Area golf this season.

Jason Miller, who moved up from assistant after Len Benfante retired after a 28-year career, expects to have two freshmen and a sophomore newcomer in the lineup when the team opens the season this week.

“We’re a young team,” Miller said. “We’re excited.

“We’ve been practicing a lot. We’re trying to get better. We’re looking to the future.”

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And, trying to make up ground as quickly as possible now.

Miller discussed the team following a Friday morning practice in the rain.

“We’re working hard,” he said. “We’re playing through the rain. We practicing in the rain.

“We’re practicing any time we can get use of the course.”

Baseball head coach Paul Zaffuto will assist Miller as they try to find a way to improve on last year’s 3-7 finish.

Half of the starting lineup returns with senior Dylan Burwell and juniors Nick Scavo and Derek Cunius.

Zack Valeski and Tyler Wassel are the two freshmen pushing for spots in the starting lineup and Karl Pecha is the new sophomore. They do face some competition from a group of 15 players trying to land spots on the team.

Pittston Area is trying to replace Allie Craig, a state Class 3A girls individual tournament qualifier who often led the boys team during conference matches.

Junior Liz Herron and sophomore Jordan Ruane also return to the program and will take part in the few competitive girls events that are available.

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By Tom Robinson

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-655-1418 or by email at sd@psdispach.com.