St. Peter, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus women’s golf team is set to begin its 2015 campaign Saturday at the Saint Benedict Invite, played at the Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell, Minn.
The Gusties lost three of their top five golfers to graduation in Jordan Drenttel, Lauren Johnson and Sam Falk, but Head Coach Scott Moe expects those roles to be filled by returning letter winners who are capable of competing with the rest of the conference.
“The team has set some attainable goals this fall, but we need to be ready to compete from day one,” Moe said. “In order for that to happen, some players will need to step up, which I think they’re ready to take on.”
Mae Meierhenry (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) and McKenzie Swenson (So., St. Louis Park, Minn.) lead the way as returners to the top five. Meierhenry averaged 81.3 strokes per round last season and Swenson average 81.5 strokes – both played 22 rounds last year. Jessica Nelson (So., Aurora, Colo.) also returns to the team after tallying an 81.5-stroke average in six rounds last year.
Rounding out the top five includes Ellie Brandt (Fy., Wayzata, Minn.) and Emilie Anderson (Sr., Osceola, Wis.). Anderson last year averaged 84.5 strokes per round, having played 13 rounds.
“I look to Mae, McKenzie and Jessica to lead the way for our returners and Ellie Brandt to be a big contributor as a freshman,” Moe said. “Emilie Anderson has looked good as well, and will start the year in our five spot.”
In last year’s Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship the Gusties placed fourth with a three-round score of 982. Meierhenry took 20th with a score of 247, while Swenson tied for 27th with a score of 254.
“We are very excited for the year,” Moe said. “The MIAC will again be very competitive with five or six teams that will be eyeing the conference title.”
Looks like you have great team, the best of luck to you all.