Ahlers claims first at NWU Invite, Bulldogs card team season low

LINCOLN, Neb. – Freshman Amy Ahlers claimed medalist honors and the Concordia University women’s golf team recorded a season low score of 358 at Tuesday’s Nebraska Wesleyan Spring Invite. The Bulldogs placed fourth among the field of 10 teams that competed at Pioneers Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb.

Concordia’s team total of 358 edged its 359 from the Nebraska Wesleyan Fall Invite for its best performance of the 2013-14 campaign. Tuesday’s round also marked a 32-stroke improvement compared to the Bulldogs’ 390 turned in at the Midland Invite on April 8 and was the best team effort in head coach Brett Muller’s three seasons at Concordia.

“Overall the team played great,” Muller said. “We had three shoot in the 80s to give us a chance to put up 358 as a team. It was good to see all five improve from the Midland Invite.”

For Ahlers, her 80 equaled the season low that she posted at GPAC Qualifier No. 2 on Oct. 2, 2013. Ahlers tied with two others for first but earned the tiebreaker based on her lower scores in the handicap holes.

As someone with lofty expectations, Ahlers wanted more after starting with a 38 on her front nine.

“You’re not going to believe it but she was actually disappointed,” Muller said. “She really just wants to play a complete round. Once she breaks 80 the first time I think she will consistently be in the 70s. It’s a mental block for her. She’s done it multiple times in high school and summer events.”

Fellow freshman Kayla Krueger also medaled with a 10th-place finish on the strength of her 86. Krueger came into the spring with an average of 90.86 in seven fall rounds.

It was also a breakout day for sophomore Kristin Remm, who shot a career best 89 and tied for 13th among the field of more than 50 golfers.

The final two spots in the lineup were held down by juniors Melissa McIntosh (103) and Allison Schieffer (103).

One of eight GPAC teams at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite, Concordia finished in front of Morningside (369), Midland (372), Doane (375), Briar Cliff (379) and Hastings.

“This was just a glimpse of the type of players we have,” said Muller, who believes his team can be even stronger down the stretch.

The Bulldogs have their most important date of the early spring season coming up on April 23 when GPAC Qualifier No. 3 at Fremont Golf Club takes place. Concordia (366-374–740) sits fifth in the conference after two fall GPAC qualifiers. Individually, Ahlers is tied for eighth with her two-round total of 89-80–169.