The University of Indianapolis’ women’s golf team began its season in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 22 in the St. Edward’s Invitational, where the team placed second.
At St. Edward’s University, sophomore Paxton DeHaven led the team as she tied for third place. DeHaven had rounds of 73 and 75 on a course with par-70. Freshman Kennedy Holtsclaw competed for UIndy in the top five and finished 12th out of the 80 golfers.
Prior to traveling to St. Edward’s, Head Women’s Golf Coach Brent Nicoson reflected on how this tournament helped the team last spring.
“This is the tournament that really springboarded us last year, so we would like to go out and play well again,” Nicoson said.
This fall, the Greyhounds placed first in four of the their five tournaments. In the spring of 2014, the team also won UIndy’s first ever athletic NCAA Division II Championship. The women have also won the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championships and East Region titles in the last four seasons since Nicoson took over as the women’s coach in the summer of 2011.
“We won four out of five tournaments [this fall] and know we have a huge target on our back,” Nicoson said.
UIndy has seven returning golfers from last year’s team. One of them is senior Molly Ward, who said she is ready to buckle down for the spring season.
“It’s extremely important to play well. We need to focus on the spring season and keep that target on our backs,” Ward said.
The Greyhounds will have four tournaments remaining this season before the GLVC Championships.
“Ohio State is a big tournament for us because of the challenge [of playing against Division I teams], but the conference championship is the single most important tournament this spring for us,” Nicoson said.
Another conference championship and national tournament run would be a big step for the Greyhounds and the women’s golf program, according to Nicoson.
“[Another championship would mean] validation. We’ve been here every year, but have never been the returning champs. We would be validating that last year wasn’t a surprise or a fluke,” Nicoson said. “These seniors deserve a good send-off. ”
The women will compete next at Barryu Women’s Invitational in Miami Lakes, Fla., March 14-15.
