By Reagan Thomas · Staff Writer
The Grove City College men’s and women’s golf teams returned to action Monday afternoon at Washington & Jefferson’s Rossin Invitational, navigating a challenging course setup at Southpointe Golf Club that featured a closed hole, two temporary greens and altered routing throughout the day.
“The course setup was definitely challenging. We went into the tournament knowing it was going to be a tricky day, but we knew it would be equally challenging for every golfer. We tried to make light of it rather than complaining. One of our team mantras is ‘control what you can control.’ It’s a cliché, but it’s so critical in golf,” Assistant Coach Amy Smith said.
On the women’s side, freshman Emily Burling placed second and junior Lauren Kardos finished fourth to lead the Wolverines to a third‑place team finish. Grove City recorded a team score of 384, paced by its two top‑five finishers. Division II Seton Hill won the event with a 372, while host W&J finished second with a 373.
Burling shot an 89 to earn second place individually, while Kardos followed closely with a 91.
“Lauren and Emily are experienced, competitive golfers. Their technical skills and golf IQ are exceptional, and they both have an incredible work ethic. Despite several uncharacteristic double bogeys, they didn’t get down on themselves. They stayed focused and finished strong, each parring three of their last four holes,” Smith said.
Senior Hailey Muñoz joined Burling and Kardos in the top 10 by finishing ninth with a score of 94.
“Hailey has been a significant contributor for three and a half years. Her recent performances have helped us achieve back‑to‑back third‑place finishes, and off the course she’s been a leader in welcoming Emily and organizing team hangouts,” Smith said.
Sophomore Gabrielle Kinner placed 22nd with a 110, while senior Rebekah Gaehring finished 25th after carding a 113.
“I definitely found myself laying up on a lot of holes to make sure I was hitting them accurately,” Kinner said.
She added that the tournament was the toughest enviThe women’s team returns to action tomorrow at the Allegheny Invitational in Meadville.
“There is no goal too lofty for this team. We love the Meadville course and are looking forward to competing,” Smith said.
The men’s team competed in the same event, finishing ninth overall with a team score of 376 in a field of 48 golfers.
Mount Union captured the team title with 329.
Senior Jack Jollie led the Wolverines by tying for 16th place after shooting an 86 in his first competitive round at Southpointe.
“That was my first time playing the course, and it was a very tough course. I’m content with the result, but not complacent,” Jollie said.
“The course is very tight. You cannot miss the ball right or left. The greens were also fast and firm, which made approach shots and putting difficult,” Jollie said.
Senior Cayden Testa finished 38th with a 96, while seniors Jonah Kozora and Michael Astrab tied for 40th at 97. Senior Brian McDonnell placed 42nd with a 98.
The men return to action at 1 p.m. Monday at the McBride-Behringer-Allen “MBA” Invitational.
