Psuik Takes Top Spot at Rio Verde Invitational

The Loyola women’s golf team finished 19th out of 21 at the Rio Verde Invitational Feb. 21-23, hosted by Western Michigan University in Rio Verde, Ariz.

The Ramblers finished the 54-hole tournament with a grand total of 921 strokes (314-301-306). California Baptist University took the top spot with a one-stroke difference between them and runner-up Illinois State University. California Baptist finished with an even score and a total of 864 strokes (283-296-285). 

California Baptist University’s second-year Pusanisa Ekkantrong took the individual first-place spot by scoring nine-under-par with a total of 207 strokes (68-75-64). There was a five-stroke difference between her and second place, held by Illinois State graduate student Jinyoung Yun. 

The Ramblers were led by second-year Cassie Psuik, who finished the tournament tied for 21st with a score of 223 (78-72-73). Her placement was an improvement from the first round, where she tied for 65th with a score of 78. She finished the tournament with 10 birdies — the seventh most in the tournament. 

Head coach Brandy Johnston said she was happy with the team’s comeback after the first round — especially Psuik’s. 

“We got off to a slow start in the first round, so we had to play catch up most of the day,” Johnston said. “Cassie did a great job pulling her round together after a quadruple bogey on her sixth hole. She showed a lot of resilience.” 

Following for the Ramblers was first-year Grace Hui, who ended the weekend with a score of 231 (77-77-77) and tied 63rd-place finish. Two strokes behind Hui was fourth-year Jolie Brochu, who finished in a tie for 72nd place and a total of 233 strokes (77-77-79). 

Fourth-year Cate Reisinger finished with a score of 234 (82-75-77) and tied for 76th. First-year Madison Haugen rounded out the event tied for 101st place with a total of 248 strokes (86-82-80). 

Johnston said the team handled the rest of the tournament well after a rough start, which made a difference in the overall team score.

“We rebounded nicely in the second round,” Johnston said. “We started on the stretch of holes that hurt us in the first round, and we handled it incredibly well. We reduced our ‘big score’ holes overall, and it made a huge difference in our team score.” 

Despite the gradual improvement during the tournament, Johnston said the team has a lot to work through as they take a temporary break from competition.

“This was a solid performance for us in a tough field, and we have lots of positives to build as we head into our spring break training trip in early March,” Johnston said. 

The Ramblers head south to Vero Beach, Fla. March 8-9 for their third invitational of the spring season to battle hosts Northern Kentucky University, among others.