Stevenson’s women’s golf team has had a strong year thus far and is looking to carry their success into the upcoming national championship. The Mustangs are coming off a MAC Conference Championship win where they placed first both days of competition. The team has been dominant all season and has high expectations for the second straight year.
The Mustangs are led by sophomore Morgan Wirtz who averaged an impressive 84 strokes in 20 rounds this season. Other big contributors include senior Alicia Greene, who averaged 88 strokes in 20 rounds, and junior Emily Haas, who averaged 89 strokes in 19 rounds.
These three golfers are the backbone of the team and have all improved their averages by at least four strokes from last season. Greene attributes the team’s success to their determination and perseverance.
“We had to overcome some adversity in the beginning. All of our recruits fell through, so it was just the girls already on the team, and we picked up Estefania Giron and Beth Liberto. The returning players all dropped four to eight strokes to make up for the adversity of not having any recruits,” said Greene.
The team’s chemistry was also a big part of their success this season. Senior Estefania Giron was new to the team this season but felt she fit right in.
“I came to the team this season, and I’m already great friends with everyone. I think we all get along really well,” said Giron. She also talked about how the long road trips were great for the team’s chemistry: “I think our season was very successful. In the beginning, we set our goals and did very well as a team, and at the end we came together won the conference championship.”
Although the season has been a success thus far, the Mustangs do not plan to settle with a conference championship. After being seeded 22nd and finishing 18th last year in nationals, the team has set a goal to rank higher this year.
As head coach Chris Ramer said, “A little bit of luck, a little bit of skill, and no injuries” is all the Mustangs need to make a run at the national championship. The team will travel to the Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas, to compete in the NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Championship, Tuesday, May 10, through Friday, May 13.