Loyola women’s golf team drove right into the fall season, traveling to Kewadin, Michigan for the A-Ga-Ming Invitational Sept. 1-2 hosted by Central Michigan University. The team finished seventh out of fourteen teams in their first regular season appearance. The Ramblers finished the two-day, fifty-four hole tournament with a combined total of 938 strokes (315-312-311). …
Loyola women’s golf team drove right into the fall season, traveling to Kewadin, Michigan for the A-Ga-Ming Invitational Sept. 1-2 hosted by Central Michigan University. The team finished seventh out of fourteen teams in their first regular season appearance.
The Ramblers finished the two-day, fifty-four hole tournament with a combined total of 938 strokes (315-312-311). Taking first as a team was Bradley University with a total of 910 strokes (306-309-296).
On the individual side, there was a tie for first place with a score of 222 strokes resulting in a playoff. Third-year Caroline McConnell of Bradley University and first-year Elle Zannatta of Central Michigan went head-to-head to determine who would be the overall winner. In the end, McConnell of Bradley University came out on top and took the overall spot over Zannatta.
In the Rambler’s top spot was fourth-year Jolie Brochu, who finished in a tie for seventh place, netting a new career-high at 228 strokes (79-74-75) and her second top-10 appearance in her collegiate career. Brochu recorded her previous top-10 finish last year at the Loyola Parkinson Family Invitational, where she finished in a tie for ninth place with 230 strokes (74-79-77).
Head coach Brandy Johnston said Brochu’s performance was a great way to start off her fourth year as a Rambler, despite rough playing conditions during the first two rounds.
“The highlight of the weekend was the play of Jolie,” Johnston said. “I think it was her best tournament as a Rambler. Her course management was solid and saved her several strokes throughout the tournament.”
In their collegiate debuts, first-years Grace Hui, who competed individually, and Madion Haugen recorded finishes in the top-50. Hui carded a total of 234 strokes (76-79-79) and a tie for 21st place, while Haugen finished in a tie for 38th place with a total of 239 (76-86-77).
Johnston said she was impressed with the play of the two first-years and highlighted their strengths from the tournament.
“Grace posted solid scores, while Madison led the team in round one and showed a lot of resilience in the third round after a tough go of it in round two,” Johnston said. “These two have a bright future.”
Squeezed between the two first-years was second-year Cassie Psuik who finished tied for 29th place. She tied Brochu in the second round going two-over-par but finished 21 over with 237 (84-74-79).
Fourth-year Cate Reisinger finished tied for 46th place with 242 strokes (77-84-81). Only one stroke behind Reisinger with 243 (83-80-80) was second-year Grace Durkin, who tied for 50th place.
Johnston said despite dealing with windy conditions on Sunday, she was happy with how the team started and continued to play through.
Johnston also recognized it’s early in the season, and said she is ready to continue working hard as the team takes on its next challenge.
“Overall, I felt this was a good start to the season for us,” Johnston said. “It was very windy for the first two rounds on Sunday, and I was pleased with how we handled it. There’s definitely a lot to build on as we head into next week.”
The Ramblers look to their next tournament at the Redbird Invitational in Bloomington, Ill. Sept. 8-9th.
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