By: Matthew Revels, Sports Editor
The Newman University Men’s and Women’s Golf teams are both hoping to finish their seasons with a few first place finishes in their final tournaments: Both teams have failed to finish higher than 10th place this spring and hope to change that.
During the women’s most recent tournament — the Hillcat Classic March 13-14 at Owasso, Oklahoma — they finished 118 over par. Sophomores Beth Griffiths and Felisa Sajulga tied for 30th and were the highest placed finishers for the team.
With just two tournaments left for the women’s team and one for the men's, improvements must be made if the teams hope to compete in the MIAA Championship. Sajulga said she thinks practice will be the difference maker as the season comes to a close.
“As we are heading towards the end of the season, we can be able to succeed by gaining our confidence on the course during practice and work on committing to every shot,” she said.
Meanwhile, men’s team member, sophomore Bailor Harris, said he has a few ideas for improvements that could be made.
“We need to illuminate big numbers, get a little more consistent off the tee box, start making putts, and find ways to clear our heads before rounds,” Harris said.
Freshman Aiden Coffelt said he thinks that both teams have a few strengths that shine through and can be built upon over the next few years. “Some strengths include our mentalities and how we have had to deal with situations, teamwork, and adversity,” Coffett said. “We have had a few teammates reach personal bests, and we are still working to achieve our team goals”
Coach Taryn Torgerson has a few players in mind who are making great contributions to the teams, she said.
“Justin Looper, Layton Love and Braxton Muldoon have led our team on the men's side and put together some good rounds, especially in these last two tournaments, which has been awesome to see,” Torgerson said. “Felisa Sajulga and Beth Griffiths have led our women's team so far and have put up some good scores as well.”
The men's last tournament is the Prairie Dunes Collegiate, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Hutchinson. The women have two tournaments left:, The first is the Newman Invitational Monday and Tuesday at Sand Creek Station in Newton, and the second is theVirginia Laas Invitational Apr 10-11 at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Joplin, Missouri.
Photo: Coutesey Photo, Newman Athletics
