On Sept. 13-14, the St. Olaf women’s golf team competed in the DIII Classic at the Jewel Championship golf course. They finished in 8th place out of 15 teams over the 36-hole tournament.
The Oles’ cross-town rival, Carleton College, won the team event with an impressive total of 628 and four of its individuals finishing within the top 15. The team’s best performance came from Grace Gilmore ’16, who secured her individual win with a final round 76 for a total of 151 and 5 shots clear of the field.
Maxine Carlson ’15 helped propel the Oles past Gustavus Adolphus College and Macalester College. Carlson started only 3 shots back of the lead after firing a 78 on Saturday and finished with an 81 on Sunday to end the tournament in solo 10th. This is her third straight top-25 finish of the season and her fifth round of 82 or better.
Grace Luker ’16 finished in a tie for 28th after two consistent rounds of 84. She looks to build upon her low round of 77 at the Wartburg Invitational in anticipation of the MIAC Championships.
Nadia Baka ’15 posted an 89 after shooting an 80 on Saturday. The Oles are poised to challenge the Knights and prevent them from winning their fourth straight tournament of the year.
Low rounds from all St. Olaf golfers could be enough to compete for the MIAC Championship and their first title since winning back-to-back two years ago.
Bunker Hills golf course will be a difficult test with a lot of trees, tough angles and fast greens. Weather conditions always have the potential to be an issue, but experience will be invaluable in the upcoming tournament. If the Oles can mentally prepare and come in with momentum, then they have a strong chance of claiming victory.
We can hope to see the trophy back on Northfield’s top campus.
