The BG women’s golf team will begin its 2012-13 season early next month, looking to improve on what coach Stephanie Young called “a very disappointing finish” to this past season in the Mid-American Conference Championships.
“We want to improve on our finish within the conference, first and foremost, but also continue to lower our scoring average as a team and for each individual,” Young said. “Our goals will include being competitive at every tournament and working hard at the golf course, weight room and classroom.”
The Falcons have six players returning from this past year’s team, along with four freshmen. Sophomore Shelby Wilson led the team this past year with a 78.70 average in 23 rounds, while junior Bailey Arnold was second in scoring with a 79.48 average in 23 rounds. Arnold holds a 79.67 average in 43 career rounds. Young said Wilson and Arnold will be looked upon for more scoring leadership this season.
Amy Ruthenberg and Jen Blanchard are the team’s two seniors, Ruthenberg assuming the role of captain. She carried an 80.85 scoring average in 20 rounds last season, and has improved every year.
Also returning to the Falcons are sophomore Patricia Holt and junior Kelsey Benson. Holt finished this past year with an 82.59 average in 22 rounds, while Benson had an 84.58 average in 12 rounds.
“The schedule sets us up very well,” Young said. “There are opportunities to build momentum and execute success within our conference and region.”
The Falcons open the season on Sept. 8 at the Redbird Invitational in Normal, Ill. They follow with tournaments at Ursuline College, Michigan State and Cleveland State to end September. BG then has two more tournaments in October before the winter golf break.
“This year’s team has a great mix of experience and youth, which should create a competitive environment for us this season,” Young said. “The chemistry, diversity and competition will all help our program get stronger. We are all looking forward to beginning the year together.”
