On March 21 through March 22, the Baker University women’s golf team participated in the Baker Invitational and placed in second place against eight other teams. The team has had ups and downs this season, but as the season is coming to a close, they look to finish the year off strong.

At the Invitational, a couple of key players led Baker to the victory. Junior Mia Tovkach started the two-day event with a score of 86, which landed her in seventh place on day one. On day two, she scored a 76 to leap five spots ahead, landing in second place overall. Tovkach explained that the team’s effort and drive are the forces behind the momentum swing and that everyone had a part in the team’s success.

“The mindset going into the Baker Invitational was to do my best and do my part for the team. I know the other girls had the same goal in mind,” Tovkach said. “Hard work and competing against good teams’ build’s the team’s confidence.”

Senior Hannah Clark also had a successful performance at the Invitational as she placed ninth while shooting an 85 on both days of the event. Head Coach Spencer Webb felt the team executed as planned.

“The plan was to compete well and to build confidence in the girls,” Webb said. “We had a good chance to win the invite and the girls are trending upwards after the invite.”

After earning second place at the Baker Invitational, Webb is working to push his team over the hump and play their best golf at the end of the year. This is to prep for the Conference Tournament, which Webb said is the most important thing that matters at this point in the season.

Though it is Webb’s first season as head coach of both men’s and women’s golf teams, he said he is happy with how close the teams are as a whole. Both teams trust and encourage each other, which helps the players compete at higher levels.

“My mindset going into this tournament was to enjoy it and make the most of the weather,” Clarke said. “It was my last home tournament and I went in with a mindset to just have fun and enjoy it.”

Clarke also mimicked Webb’s sentiments about team camaraderie. After doing so well at the Invitational, Clarke said she is ready for conference play and ready to win.

The Baker Women’s golf team is set to compete in one more meet before the Conference Championship. This week, they competed at the Concordia Tournament in Lincoln, Neb. where they played on April 5 and placed 7th out of 13 teams. Next, they will attend the Bethany Tournament in Newton, Kan. on April 11 through April 12.

Finally, they will look to secure a spot at the National Tournament during competition at the Conference Championship in Raymore, Mo. on April 25 through April 26.