The No. 6 ranked Grand Valley State University women’s golf team teed off the spring season in Litchfield Park, Arizona for a two-day competition from Monday, March 10 to Tuesday, March 11. Southwest Minnesota State University hosted the event at the Wigwam Resort, where the Lakers took the win.
Entering the SMSU invite, the women’s team had the opportunity to spend a week in Arizona beforehand to practice and get familiar with the green. Senior Olivia Stoll stated that GVSU had high expectations to win the competition.
The invitational kicked off mid-afternoon on a sunny day with warm temperatures for ideal golfing weather. Sophomore Evelyn Park was the first Laker to tee off. The Lakers shot a round of 291 at three over, taking first place. Stoll fought for first place at two under after a round of 70 with five birdies, but concluded the first day in a tie for first place. Four Lakers tied for fifth at one over, shooting rounds of 73. Freshman Charlotte Goersch and Lea Stotz tied for 14th in 75 rounds at three over. The Lakers concluded the first day of the competition strong, leading the opening round with a four-stroke advantage.
The majority of golf tournaments allow five players to count toward the team’s overall score. Each team decides who will represent their given school before the event by playing qualifying rounds. Of the five players, the top four scores are added together for the group’s overall score. Since GVSU has nine women on the team, it creates an internal competition to fight for a spot.
“The competition within the team is intense, and that’s what makes us all better,” said Park. “It is nerve-racking to see how the top five players always change after each round of qualifying. However, knowing that every round is a chance to break into the top five keeps me motivated to work on my game and stay focused.”
In the invitational, Park qualified as an individual player. Her score didn’t count toward the team’s overall score, but counted toward her individual ranking. Despite golfing being inherently individualistic, the sport still fosters a sense of teamwork.
“Even when I’m playing as an individual, I am part of the team and want to contribute in any way I can, whether that’s through encouragement, practicing together or just helping create a positive team environment,” said Park.
Entering the second day with confidence and camaraderie, the Lakers repeated the first day’s successes. The Lakers won by 21 strokes and carded a final round of 286 (-2), which was the lowest round in the tournament, and secured the win. Stoll led the Lakers, earning the individual crown by taking overall individual winner and finishing -3 with three strokes ahead of the second-place golfer. In the final round, Stoll shot a round of 71 (-1), and sank three birdies. As a senior and leader on the team, Stoll’s leadership presents itself differently than in other sports.
“I feel that I am a leader by example, not as much as a vocal leader,” said Stoll. “It is an individual sport, and each player has parts of their game (they) are better (at) than others, and not everyone has to have the same strengths to perform well.”
Park received second place at an even par, carding a final round of 71 (-1) with three birdies. Junior Rachael Krieger tied for fourth at two over with a final round of 73 (+1), making three birdies and an eagle. Senior Megan Miron and Stotz both tied for seventh place, with scores of four over. The Lakers had five golfers in the top 10, while earning the first-place team title.
With an early win in the spring season, the Lakers are optimistic about the future, given their successes at the invite.
“We have a lot of depth on this team,” Stoll said. “Everyone is fighting for a spot in the lineup. We have a good team chemistry. Everyone wants to see each other succeed, and we are all each other’s biggest fans.”
The Lakers have a break to rest and prepare for the Lynn Invitational, which will be in Florida, on March 31.
