The Baker University women’s golf team finished its season on Tuesday by placing second in the Heart of America Conference Tournament and third in the Region V tournament, which was held in O’Fallon, Mo.
Head coach Karen Exon said the team played up to expectations in both tournaments.
“We all played really well (Monday),” Exon said. “I was pleased-the girls played really well on the second day despite the nasty conditions.”
In the HAAC tournament, sophomore Ashley Johnson led the way with a score of 83 on the first day. Junior Laura Baker finished out her season with scores of 87 and 86, which was good enough for a tie for fourth in the HAAC. Because of that, she was named to the All-HAAC team. Freshman Alicia Kortz shot back-to-back 91s, junior Beth Taylor had marks of 92 and 93, and sophomore Jessica DeSelms had two solid rounds of 95 and 94 for the two days.
Exon, who was named Coach of the Year for the HAAC, said the team has improved steadily throughout the season,
“We’re really growing up,” she said. “We’re becoming a mature team. All things considered, it was a really successful year on the course and in the classroom.”
Laura Baker, who was the most consistent player for the Wildcats, said the team played its best overall golf in the tournament.
“Our freshman Alicia Kortz had her best round,” Baker said. “We had the best 2-day score of the season, and this was the perfect time for that.”
The junior from Overland Park said the team’s work ethic paid off in the tournament.
“I think we all had steady improvements throughout the season,” she said. “We all were dedicated to practice.”
Exon said with three or four recruits coming, next year should be even better.
“We’re going to be an experienced team,” she said. “It looks like we’ll have a solid team.”
The men competed on April 19 and 20 in the Baker Invitational, which was held at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence. Junior David Tregemba led the way for the ‘Cats to place second overall. Because of their recent success, the Baker men are now fourth in their region which is exciting for the team, Tregemba said.
“That’s pretty good for us compared to where we have been in previous years,” Tregemba said. “It gives us something to look forward to next year with some experience.”
The men’s golf team will compete in the HAAC Championship meet which starts today, and then travel to Cape Girardeau, Mo. to compete in the Region V Championship on May 1.