Ramblers Finish With Lowest Score of the Year

The Loyola women’s golf team tied for 14th out of 21 teams during their visit to Rio Verde, Arizona for the Rio Verde Invitational Feb. 23-25. The Ramblers recorded a season-low score at the 54-hole tournament, led by performances from second-years Adie Maki and Jolie Brochu. 

California Baptist University took the first place victory with 865 strokes. Ali Schrock from Illinois State University won the individual competition with 211 strokes. 

Maki finished four-over par in the first round, carding a 74 and following it up with a 73 in the second round. In her final round, she secured her lowest score of the week, clocking in a 70, or two-under par in her first-ever no-bogey performance. 

Maki finished the tournament with a total of 217 (74-73-70), good enough to secure a share of 12th place out of 104 golfers.

Brochu finished the tournament in 46th place with a total of 225 (78-73-74). In the last round, she finished two-over par, leaving only a four-stroke difference between her and Maki. 

Head coach Brandy Johnston said the play of Maki and Brochu was the highlight of this tournament.

“[Adie] stayed patient all day and finally made some birdies towards the end of her round to finish 2-under,” Johnston said. “Jolie struggled a bit in the first round but never gave up. She was calm and steady over the past 2 days and it showed in her results.” 

The rest of the team stayed close behind Maki and Brochu. Third-year Cate Reisinger finished in 71st with a total of 232 (80-75-77) while first-year Cassie Psuik finished two strokes behind with a 234 (77-75-82). Fourth-year Abby Thielbar placed a stroke behind Psuik with a 235 (82-77-76), earning 82nd place. 

The Ramblers were able to record their second consecutive sub-300 round in the final round, ending with a total of 297 and adding to their weekend total of 902. 

Johnston said she was happy with how the team played and is looking forward to the future. 

“We haven’t had back-to-back sub 300 rounds all year so it was nice to finally back up a good round with another good round,” she said.   

Johnston said the team needs to work on their course management and focus, which will lead them to seeing more consistent scoring. 

 “We are trending in the right direction,” Johnston said. “I’m excited to see what we can do in Puerto Rico in a couple of weeks.” 

The Ramblers will take a short break before heading off to Puerto Rico for the Ball State Puerto Rico Classic March 5-7. 

Featured image courtesy of Abby Ragusa | Loyola Athletics