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Monday, March 18, 2024
The Observer

Belles earn third straight title

Persistence and consistency characterized the Belles' performance this weekend, as they secured their third consecutive MIAA conference win.Saint Mary's, nationally ranked at No. 4, finished the conference tournament with 652 strokes. Rival Olivet, who was expected to provide the most threat to the conference title, trailed with 675 strokes. The Belles also collected a number of individual accolades. Junior Julia Adams and seniors Stefanie Simmerman and Chrissy Dunham earned spots on the all-MIAA first team, while juniors Megan Mattia and Nicole Bellino were named to the all-MIAA second team. Adams led the team as medalist of the tournament, firing sub-80 scores all weekend and finishing with 155 strokes."Julia played consistently well in the conference tournament," Simmerman said. "I couldn't be more proud of her."Simmerman followed close behind Adams, posting 157 strokes for a second-place finish. Junior Megan Mattia earned a seventh-place finish, shooting a 169, and senior captain Chrissy Dunham rounded out the Belles success at ninth place with a 172.Simmerman put the reason for Saint Mary's success in simple terms."We did what we came to do," Simmerman said. "That was one of our goals going into this season - to be highly visible in the top 15. I think it shows how well we dominate the conference."Although the Belles entered the weekend with a 47-stroke lead, the competition was anything easy. Friday afternoon's round brought strong winds and rain for some portions of the tournament. On Saturday, weather conditions hadn't improved much, as the previous night's rain made for a soggy course."It was windy all weekend," Simmerman said. "You had to use a one club no matter which way you played the hole."Dunham said the team's doggedness and can-do attitude despite the conditions showed just how much potential the team possesses."I think it's a reflection of our dedication and the hard work each team member has put in over the course of the season," Dunham said. "Winning conference was important for us because it gives us momentum for the spring so we can realize our goals and win the NCAA Championship."