Putters sink to third at Medalist Invitaitional
By KATIE McVOY
Associate Sports Editor
The Belles continued on their road to success on Tuesday, finishing in third place in the MIAA at the Medalist Invitational at Albion College. But, following on the heels of a first place finish last week, Saint Mary's wants to be No.1 again.
"Everyone is really excited and now really looking forward to what we can do at our tournament this weekend to take back our first place ranking at the conference championship to show [the MIAA] what we've been working on," senior captain Mary-Claire Hathaway said.
"I think we played average," head coach Theresa Pekarek said. "We could have played a lot better. [The team] needs to learn to handle this kind of course. That will come with experience."
Saint Mary's shot a team total of 363, only 11 strokes behind tournament winner Hope. Under the leadership of tournament winner Lacy Wicksall, the Flying Dutch shot a team low 352. Tri-State University, who is looking into joining the MIAA, also played in the tournament and took home a second place finish, totaling 361. Tri-State's finish will not ultimately affect MIAA rankings.
Last week's first place finish came on an on day for the Belles. Every player was focused. But Tuesday's match wasn't quite as solid.
"I think that everyone was on in our last tournament," Hathaway said. "There were some girls who were off their game this week."
Hathaway led the way for the Belles, shooting 83 for the day and finishing in second place in the tournament. Tuesday marked the first day Hathaway led the team and 83 is her personal low for the season.
"It was so great," Hathaway said. "It's my best score so far this season."
Despite their solid finish, the Medalist golf course proved to be a challenge for the Belles. Compared to the relatively open Olivet golf course, the Medalist course had a lot of undulation on the green and several longer holes, Hathaway said.
"It's a very challenging course," Pekarek said. "You have to place the ball very well or you can get yourself into a lot of trouble."
Supporting Hathaway in her second place finish and shooting low scores for the Belles were freshman Stefanie Simmerman, sophomore Liz Hanlon, senior Megan Keleher and senior Molly Lee. Simmerman shot 89, for a 7th place finish, followed by Hanlon who totalled 91 strokes to tie for ninth place with Hope's Emily Colenbrander, Marianne Brown and Albion's Anna Watkins.
The Belles will tee off again on Saturday at Adrian College at the Lenawee Country Club for the third and final MIAA tournament before the conference championship. Although the Flying Dutch bested the Belles on Tuesday, the Belles still have their sights set on the MIAA title at the end of the season.
"Everyone is feeling very confident about being able to take the championship," Hathaway said.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, September 19, 2001
