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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Heck earns runner-up honors to lead Notre Dame

The Irish began their spring season by competing at the Moon Golf Invitational in Melbourne, Florida this week. The tournament featured several strong programs, including UCF, Louisville, Oklahoma and Maryland. The Irish finished 14th in the 16-team field, but left the weekend with reasons to feel confident moving forward.

Sophomore Abby Heck tore up the course in her first spring tournament of the season. Heck fired fourteen birdies over the three-round tournament, tied for the fourth-most birdies in the field. She finished second overall, posting scores of 69, 70 and 69.

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Irish sophomore Abby Heck studies the green before attempting a putt during Notre Dame's exhibition match on Aug. 24 at Warren Golf Course.
Irish sophomore Abby Heck studies the green before attempting a putt during Notre Dame's exhibition match on Aug. 24 at Warren Golf Course.


Senior Emma Albrecht provided veteran leadership through the entire tournament, finishing tied for 13th with rounds of 69, 71 and 73. Albrecht has been a key for the Irish since arriving as a freshman, and is looking to have her best season yet in her final year on the team.

The Irish struggled to find consistency in the rest of their lineup. Senior Isabella DiLisio followed an opening round 76 with a strong second round 72 but regressed to post a 79 in round three. Junior Mia Ayer and freshman Claire Albrecht did not post a round below Ayer’s second round 78, but are continuing to gain experience that will serve them well as the season goes on.

Ultimately, the Irish did not have a strong enough performance to keep up with some of the competition. UCF won the tournament by nine shots over hosts Louisville. Oklahoma, Campbell and Maryland rounded out the top five. Louisville junior Lauren Hartlage edged out Heck for the individual title by one stroke, posting a 206 behind the strength of a second round 67.

The Irish will now turn their attention to the Westbrook Invitational in Peoria, Arizona. The tournament is hosted by Washington State, and will feature some of the strongest teams in college golf last season. It will be another tough test for the Irish as they continue to prepare for the ACC Championship in April.