The Mars girls golf team has just one season under its belt.

But twin sisters have already set a high standard for the program.

Marisa and Lauren Glew finished tied for 14th and 24th, respectively, at the PIAA championships, which concluded Tuesday at the Springwood Golf Club in York.

Marisa shot a 91 and 82 for a total of 173 while Lauren tallied a 90 and 92, finishing with a 182.

Westmont Hilltop's Madeleine Lovette won the state title with a 156.

"Considering the conditions, I thought they both played very well," said Planets coach Bill Pettigrew. "It was windy and cold, just not golfing weather. And I think everybody's score reflected that."

Marisa and Lauren, both 15-year old sophomores, played for the Planets boys team in 2003.

"We had fun last year," said Lauren Glew. "But only one girl can go to WPIALs from a boys team."

Lauren went to the district competition last year. Then, the sisters found out Mars would field a girls team in 2004.

"It was fun competing with the boys," said Marisa. "But we were really happy when they announced that a girls team would be formed."

Lauren is one minute older than Marisa, and competition always has been a part of their relationship.

"We compete at everything we do," said Lauren. "But it's all in fun."

It didn't take long for the sisters to distinguish themselves to their coach.

"I knew they were the best players on the team right away," Pettigrew said. "They play outside of the season, and I know their dad (Gary) takes them to different tournaments around the area.

"They are very similar players and were usually separated by one stroke in match play this season," said Pettigrew. "I wouldn't want to go against either of them when they're chipping or putting. That's the strongest part of their game."

Both girls advanced to the PIAA finals with impressive performances at the WPIAL championships, held at Blackhawk Golf Course earlier this month.

Marisa finished fifth and Lauren was tied for eighth.

They were able to match their coach's expectations of them at the state finals.

"I felt going in that both were capable of finishing in the top 25," said Pettigrew. "And they were able to do that.

"You see the (17) strokes separating Marissa from first place and it seems like a lot," said Pettigrew. "But it really wasn't. It was just a matter of a putt here and a chip there."

"The course was wet and long," said Marisa. "I don't drive the ball that far because I'm not that big. Next year, I hope to add more distance to my drives."

The sisters have competed in several junior PGA tournaments in the area.

"Our dad got us involved when we were about 9 years old," said Lauren. "He started taking us to the driving range."

Marisa and Lauren have a younger sister interested in the game, 10-year old Alexa. She might be sporting blue and gold on the links down the road.

As for the here and now, the Planets finished 4-10 this season.

"(That record) doesn't seem that great, but for our first season, I think the girls did a good job," added Pettigrew.

With the Glew sisters not graduating until 2007, the future for Mars girls golf looks bright.

"The other girls on the team have improved tremendously since the season began," said Pettigrew. "We had six girls out this year and are hoping for eight or nine next year."

Other team members include juniors Becky Pappas, Lauren Chadowski and freshmen Lisa Moser and Katherine Howe.

"A lot of the girls (at school) didn't even know about the team at first," said Marisa. "But after we won a few matches, they started to take notice."

"We're all very excited about girls golf here," said Pettigrew. "(Athletic director) Scott Heinauer and (boys' golf coach) Tim Tyler are both excited for the program."