Lakers break records, grab first place at Ferris State Invitational
GVL Archive Junior Ashley Beard drives the ball during a past match.
Sep 29, 2011
The Grand Valley State University women’s golf team shattered two school records after comfortably earning their second first-place finish of the season at the Ferris State Invitational at Katke Golf Club in Big Rapids last weekend.
“We broke two school records in one weekend which is definitely something to be proud of,” said GVSU head coach Rebecca Mailloux.
The Lakers set new school records for the team-low round with a score of 292 in the first round and team-low 36-hole total score of 588.
All five of GVSU’s golfers finished in the top 12 in individual results, led by junior Ashley Beard, who captured individual medalist honors after finishing in first place with a one-under 71.
“I obviously played a little better golf, but I wouldn’t say I hit the ball perfectly,” Beard said. “My mindset was good this weekend — it was positive and that helped me shoot the score I did.”
Finishing just behind her was freshman Kelly Hartigan. Hartigan was consistent through both rounds on Saturday and Sunday, shooting 73 both days and finishing in a tie for second place.
“I hit the ball well, and I hit a lot of greens which helped me play well overall,” Hartigan said. “If we keep practicing as hard as we do, it should be pretty easy (to keep the succcess coming).”
Sophomore Veronica Ryan placed fifth after shooting a 74 in the first round and a 75 in the second. Senior Sarah Hoffman and junior Marni Weinstein contributed total scores of 153 and 155, tying for eighth and twelfth places, respectively.
“We’re deep this year, and any of the top five can be a No. 1 at any given point,” Mailloux said. “They’re all key players and they all push each other which is good to see.”
Mailloux has her team “focused” in order to maintain success.
We won’t look too far ahead and focus on what’s in front of us,” Mailloux said. “It would be awesome if we go the season undefeated, but we just try to stay focused on one tournament at a time.”
The Lakers will travel to Findlay, Ohio for their next tournament, the two-day Big Ball Classic, which will be held on Oct. 9 and 10 at the Findlay Country Club.
