The Grand Valley State University women’s golf team didn’t have to wait long to get another shot at
the teams they failed to beat in last spring’s NCAA Super Regional.

The Lakers faced off against the likes of Ashland University, Ferris State University, the University of
Findlay and a number of other teams in the University of Indianapolis Fall Invitational.

“It was basically a preview of the golf course and teams we are going to face later down the road in
super regionals,” head coach Rebecca Mailloux said. “It’s always a benefit to get experience at a
course that you will play at again later in the season.”

Through the first round of the invitational, GVSU sat in seventh place with a total team score of 317,
11 strokes behind Ferris State (306). Junior Kelly Hartigan led the Lakers with a first round score of 75
(3).

“I thought Hartigan had a strong showing in her first tournament of the year,” Mailloux said. “She was
able to settle in early and really go after every hole, which is key to her success.”

On the second day of the tournament, GVSU struggled to escape the middle of the pack, eventually
finishing sixth among the field of 18 teams.

“I thought it was a decent first tournament for us,” Hartigan said. “We didn’t necessarily play our best
golf, but it’s just the first event of the season, so there’s going to be room for improvement.”

Hartigan continued her strong play with a second round score of 74 (2), which put her in position for
her fifth individual victory of her Laker career. She went on to a one-hole playoff against Ali Green of
Ashland and eventually would bogey the hole, finishing second on the individual leader board.

“I knew during the second day of the tournament that I was putting myself in position to win the
individual tournament,” Hartigan said. “Unfortunately, on the playoff hole, I hit the bunker just off the
fairway which set me back. Overall, I’m happy with my performance.”

Freshmen Julie Guickan and Britni Gielow quickly adapted to the college game as they posted scores of
159 and 167. The Laker coaches said they strongly believe this year’s freshman class will have a big
impact on the team throughout the season.

“The first couple of holes were intimidating, especially playing against the caliber of talent that we
were up against,” Gielow said. “After a couple of holes, I was comfortable and I felt like I had a decent
outing for my first invitational this year.”

The Lakers now set their sights on this weekend when they host the Gilda’s Club Laker Fall Invite at
Meadows Golf Club.

“It’s always an advantage when we play at the Meadows,” Mailloux said. “It’s where everyone is most
comfortable. Everyone really enjoys the course. It’s a main reason why these girls have come to GVSU
to play golf.”

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