Taylor Jones | Staff writer
The Whitworth’s women’s golf team placed a season-best second place season at the Northwest Conference Fall Classic at Quail Valley Golf Course.
“This tournament was huge for us because it was the first time we placed second in a NWC tournament in the last two years,” Coach David Fern said. “Huge confidence builder and stepping stone.”
Sophomore Maddie Hahn finished with a personal best score of 76 in round one, ending the tournament with 76-83 – 159.
“Maddie Hahn has been our most consistent player for the last year and a half,” Fern said.
“It was awesome to see how excited and happy my teammates were for me as well. It’s been really cool that we can celebrate each other’s achievements even when we might not have had the best day ourselves,” Hahn said.
“She’s such a huge part of our team, so blessed to have her representing the Bucs,” Fern said.
Sophomore Briana McKelly tied with Hahn for eighth place. They both ended the tournament with identical scores.
“We had a goal of beating Whitman, and we were thrilled to be able to do so,” Fern said. “I’m very proud of our ladies. This was a well-deserved finish for us.”
Freshman Julia Diaz shot 84-81 – 165 to tie for 10th place, senior Stacia Sarty shot 83-83 – 166, tying for 12th, and Freshman Hui Yi Soh shot 82-88 – 170 tying for 15th.
“I believe we’re going to keep going on this great path,” Fern said.
The team’s beginning of tournament ritual includes, “telling each other good luck, having a little pep talk, and doing our cheer before we tee off and then in the evening we talk about our day and set goals for the next day,” Hahn said.
Whitworth will return next weekend in Walla Walla, which will be the last tournament until the spring.