The fall golf season is underway here at William Jewell College.
The William Jewell College women’s golf team opened up the year on their home turf at the Cardinal Hill golf course in Liberty, Mo., Sep. 3, 2015. The Cardinals hosted four Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) teams such as Truman State University, Rockhurst University and Maryville University.
Jewell was in front after day one. The Cardinal women were led by a strong starting five, consisting of Marissa Juliana, Courtney Wells and Alex Steinkamp, seniors, Alex Trask, sophomore, and Payton Meeks, first-year.
“As a team, we played great! We beat our team record of 309, improving it to 307 which was a great feeling,” Juliana said.
Day two, the Cards set a school record of 307, beating last year’s record of 309. The day was led by Juliana and Meeks, who shot a 74 and 76, respectively.
“Our team played really well both days of the tournament, and it’s really promising for the rest of the year. We had a great year last year, and I think this year we can be even better,” Trask said.
As individuals, the Lady Cards claimed five of the top 10 spots with Juliana taking second, Trask third, Meeks fourth, senior Alex Buford ninth and Steinkamp 10th.
“The team is going to be extremely strong this year. We had a great year last year with a fifth place conference finish, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t think we were going to beat that this year. The team needs to stay focused, stay driven and never give up while they’re playing the game. Always keep trying because every stroke counts,” Juliana said.
The Cards will get back to practice, preparing for an event in Springfield, Ill. Oct. 2, 2015.
The William Jewell College men’s golf team traveled to Eureka, Mo. to play in the Arch Cup hosted by Maryville University. The tournament involved teams from the GLVC and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
The Cardinal men were behind early on in the tournament.
“We brought in a lot of freshman this year, and this was their first tournament. The nerves were clearly there for all of us, but it was a good tournament to get those out of the way. That’s what the first tourney is for, getting the rust off mentally and physically,” said senior and captain Grant Janssen.
The men’s team was led by first-year Andy Fain, who scored a 75 in round one of the Arch Cup, winning sixth place overall.
Round two, Mitch Lummis, first-year, led the way with a score of 77.
The team for the event included Janssen, Fain, Collin Kasitz, first-year, Lummis and Carson Trent, first-year. Also participating as an individual was Josh Parker, first-year.
“As a team, we all expect improvement. This is a great group to be coaching, and we’ll get ready for our second event in Indianapolis,” said head coach Bob Cole.
The men’s golf team will compete next Sept. 20-22 at the University of Indianapolis Invitational.