The Gustavus Women’s Golf team won its third consecutive MIAC title on Monday at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids, Minn.
“It was pretty cool because the first year we won came as a big surprise. Then, when we won last year, we kind of expected to win again. This year it sort of seemed routine that we would win the MIAC Championship again,” Senior Katie Schenfeld said.
“We have a very talented group of girls, and we showed what we could do at Conference. To win by such a significant margin was really satisfying after all the hard work we’ve put in throughout the season,” Junior Taylor Drenttel said.
The Gusties were victorious after recording a three-day score of 974 (+110) for their team, which was good for a 46-stroke margin over second place St. Olaf.
The win gives Gustavus an automatic berth into the NCAA Championships in the spring.
Senior Katie Schenfeld captured individualist medal honors for the second straight year. She became the first MIAC Champion in Gustavus history to defend her title, shooting a three-day total of 224 (+8).
“It was really cool because this year my scores were so much better. I played two [almost three] really solid rounds of golf and was able to win with a much lower score,” Schenfeld said. Schenfeld bested her MIAC Champion score from last year by 12 strokes. Her total of 224 is the lowest three-day total in the tournament’s history since it went to 54 holes in 2006.
Schenfeld was joined on the podium by teammate Junior Taylor Drenttel, who finished runner-up for the second straight year, as well.
“I’ve struggled most of the season so far, but finally everything came together for me at Conference. I’m proud of my finish and hope to contribute similar scores in the spring to help the team gain more first place wins,” Drenttel said.
Sophomore Kayleigh Dittes cracked the top 10 by finishing ninth. Rounding out the rest of the Gustavus squad was Junior Rikka Holliday, finishing 15th and Junior Ann Jackson finishing 17th.
With the third straight MIAC Championship, the Gustie Women are building toward a dynasty in the MIAC Conference, and it truly demonstrates their consistency as a team.
“I was a part of our first ever conference win as a [first-year]. It meant so much to me to take part in that victory, and every win since has been just as sweet. These past three years we’ve always had five solid players, and the younger players continue to improve,” Drenttel said. “After seniors graduated, we’ve had underclassmen step up and improve their game. I have no doubt we will be MIAC Champions again next year,” Drenttel said.
The Gustie women have one more tournament in the fall, a Division I tournament at Northern Illinois University, which will be a much greater challenge for the Gustie golfers.
After the Northern Illinois University Invitational, the team will have a long layover before the spring season.
“Starting in February, we have indoor practice twice a week where we can hit balls. Otherwise the simulator is always available for us to use. It’s a great way for us to really work on our swing and make necessary changes for the spring season,” Drenttel said.
“I can’t describe how much the golf simulator helps us. To be a northern team and compete with teams in the south that get to play golf year-round is big for us,” Schenfeld said.
The highlight of the spring season will be the NCAA Championship, in which the Gusties finished second at last year.
“Our ultimate goal is to win a National Championship. In order to get there, we need to work on our consistency and continue to improve our short game. Ideally, four scores for each tournament should be under 82, and we have the talent to do that,” Drenttel said.
“We have a lot of untapped potential and the opportunity to win the National Championship in the spring. We just need to work really hard in the winter and keep improving, and I think we have a great shot to win the National Championship,” Schenfeld said.
However, besides the women’s competitive spirit and determination to win the National Championship, they simply enjoy being with each other ,which makes their success on the golf course that much more enjoyable.
“We only have seven girls on the team, and I really enjoy traveling with the team. Our team camaraderie is great off the golf course,” Schenfeld said.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching the success and accomplishments of my teammates. I love to see when their hard work pays off. I look forward to more first place finishes in the spring,” Drenttel said. “I’m also excited about our spring break trip to Florida as final preparation for the season.”
The Gustavus Women’s Golf team will look to finish the fall season on a high note at the Northern Illinois University Invitational this weekend, while looking ahead to a productive offseason and aiming to win the National Championship in the spring.