Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Team off to good start

The Saint Mary's golf team started their season a little differently this year than in season's past. After finishing fourth in the nation at the D-III national championships, the Belles started this season with higher expectations. They didn't disappoint in their first match of the season at Ferris State.The Belles finished fifth out 19 teams, paced by Julie Adams 156, good enough for a sixth place finish out of over 100 competitors."We're starting to see the fruits of our labor," coach Mark Hamilton said. "We're real close to putting ourselves over the top."Defending national champion Stefanie Simmerman struggled in the opening round, firing an 87, but recovered to add an 81 on Sunday. Chrissy Dunham and Megan Mattia shot 170 and 171 respectively for Saint Mary's.Before the tournament, the Belles set a team goal of finishing in the top 5. Adams helped make that possible with her low rounds of 79 and 77.Hamilton said the team is beginning to accept their new role as a powerhouse in golf."I think they understand that no matter who we're playing, everyone is watching us," Hamilton said.The Belles take on Knox College Friday and Monmouth on Saturday. Both matches are on the road.