The women’s golf team struggled at the Augustana Spring Fling Invitational, coming in 10th place out of 10 teams in their final tournament before the NAIA qualifier. Junior Lauren Marlow led the team, placing 47th overall, shooting 32-over.
Haley Haught of St. Edwards University took home first place on the third playoff hole leading to her team finishing first overall. St. Edwards dominated, defeating the second place school by 31 strokes with a score of 25-over.
“This was probably the best field of teams we have faced all year,” head coach Hank Woodrome said.
Despite falling well behind the other schools after the first day, Biola fought hard and improved their score in day two by 10 strokes from 84-over on the first day to 74-over on day two. Sophomore Jackie Mata led this trend for the Eagles, dropping from a 94 on day one to an 87 day two.
“As a team this was not our best tournament, however on the second day of the tournament we did end up with a team score that was 10 strokes lower than the first day,” Marlow said.
Team takes improvements and hope into next tournament
Even though Biola had one of their worst finishes in tournaments this year, the team is still improving.
“This year I feel like the team has been working on short game and getting the ball up and down to manage mistakes better,” Marlow said. “In golf I never feel like there is one area that needs improvement. There is always room for improvement in every aspect of every player’s game. So I would say we all have things to work on in order to become more consistent and successful in the game.”
The team will attempt to qualify for the national tournament April 22-24 at Willow Glen Golf Course in El Cajon.
“We will continue to work more on short game as we approach the NAIA Regionals April 22 through 24. Also, we need to work more on course management and mental game,” Woodrome said.
In last year’s qualifier the Eagles finished seventh, just outside the top five which was necessary to make the national tournament. This is the second year that Biola is competing as a full team and is still trying to get their feet off the ground.
