Posted: Aug 22, 2022

Grinnell Favorite in Women's Golf

Grinnell College is the favorite in women's golf in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, according to voting from the league coaches. The Pioneers are the three-time defending SLIAC Champions and received 9 of 10 first-place votes, totaling 81 points. Illinois College was picked second while Spalding University, Lake Forest College, and Fontbonne University round out the top five.

Although they graduated All-American golfer Nina Kouchi, head coach Dave Arsenault Jr. brings back four All-Conference players including All-Region performer Lauren Chen. Chen finished second last year on the team with a 77.0 average; capturing one tournament win. Her score of 72 in the opening round of the conference championship last fall was tied for the lowest round in conference history. Her teammate and fellow returner Mary Li was the other player that carded a 72 in the opening round last season. She finished with a 77.7 average last season. Also back are Parker Perry and Aubrie Torhorst.

After a strong showing, last season, Illinois College head coach Abby Vorreyer is expecting more of the same this season with added experience to her young team. IC notched seven tournament wins last season despite a roster that boasted eight freshmen. Pacing the team was Alyvia Burr with a team-leading average of 84.3 strokes per round. Katie Milhiser was second with an 85.5 and won two events while Hannah Harpster (85.5) and Amy Fowler (85.8) add to the team's depth. The team's lone senior is Sandie Norville, who averaged 85.8 strokes per round last fall. They received one first-place nod and totaled 73 points on the poll. Newcomers to the program are Olivia Quigley, Emily Guest, and Kate Phillips.

Spalding University finished 3rd on the poll with 61 points. Head Coach Jeff Nelson must replace the program's all-time leader event wins in Kassidy Wallin but is looking to carry its success from the spring into the fall season. The Golden Eagles closed out last season with a pair of tournament wins and return three golfers that gained championship experience last fall. Jordan Harris earned All-Conference honors last season, carrying an average of 84.9. Joining her from last year are sophomores Rianna LaFuente and Alexis Seay. New faces to the program are Bailey Birdsell and Madison Elder.

Lake Forest College was picked 4th with 60 points. The Foresters welcome six newcomers that join a pair of returning sophomores. Lucy Rayburn put together an average of 94.2 last season, twice earning top finishes. Emma Ackland meanwhile averaged a 98.0 over 14 rounds of competition. Freshmen Alijah Campbell, Dominik Datangel, Sydney Foulon, Chelsea Sinclair, Gabrielle Krebs, and Ashlyn Bhatia fill out head coach Sean O'Malley's roster.

Fontbonne University finishes 5th with 45 points. The Griffins return all four golfers from the spring including its top lineup player in Grace Harlin. Harlin, a senior, posted an average of 85.5 last season while picking up eight top team finishes and four event wins. Annie McFee finished with a team-low 85.2 average last season. Head Coach Sumner Ahearn feels that freshman Grace Rogers should compete as well.

Blackburn College was chosen 6th with 34 points. Head Coach John Malin will be led by senior Tess Saathoff. Saathoff recorded six top finishes for the Beavers including one event win while finishing with a 94.7 average. Miriam Wali-Uddin and Sakura Fagan are fellow seniors with playing experience while Clair Stein is another returner. Newcomers that will fill out the roster are Jadie Keck, Caidy Tuetken, and Allison Woolard.

With 33 points, Monmouth College came in 7th on the poll. Head Coach Cory Bizarri returns both golfers from last season in Amanda Stevens and Sarah Saddoris. Stevens paced the team with eight top finishes and carried a 103.3 average last year. They are joined by newcomers Annalyn Lovell and Layla Reynolds.

Knox College received 26 points to place 8th. The Prairie Fire and head coach K.C. Harding return Mariah Barlow and Lia Mena Villanueva while bringing in junior Hannah Harvey.

Westminster College totaled 23 points to finish 9th in the poll. The Blue Jays will be coached by Todd Creal and placed 5th at last year's SLIAC Championship.

Eureka College rounds out the poll with 14 points. Head Coach Chip Wilde returns all four players that competed at the SLIAC Championship last fall. Megan Masching led the team with three top finishes and is joined by Red Devils Marissa Lewis, Sophie Bressner, and Alexis Charleton.