YANKTON, S.D. – A pair of freshmen recorded top-10 finishes in their first meets as Bulldogs as part of the two-day Mount Marty Fall Invite held in Yankton, S.D. A total of 17 players represented the Concordia University golf programs in the event that saw the Bulldogs close action on Friday with team finishes of fourth (men) and 10th (women), respectively.
The lineup scratch of junior Emma Jacoby contributed to a higher team score of 361-414–775 for the women. Meanwhile, the men carded a two-round total of 309-310–619.
Freshmen Murphy Sears and Tyler Samek acquitted themselves well in their first outings as collegiate golfers. Sears, a Crete native, shot a team low 83 on Thursday before finishing with an 88 on Friday. She tied for ninth place amongst the field of 74 golfers. On the flip side, Samek, who hails from David City, put together back-to-back scores of 76 and finished tied for 10th.
“I’m sure there were some nerves (for Sears),” Muller said. “But she came out and played solid for two days. It’s not where she expects to be, but it’s a good starting point for her to improve and move up.
Three-time all-conference performer Amy Ahlers opened up her senior campaign with the 24th top-10 placement of her record-breaking career. She posted an 85-85–170 and a seventh-place claim. There was a sizeable gap between Ahlers and Murphy and the rest of the team. Two additional freshmen made their debuts this week – Payton DeMers-Sahling (103-113–216) and Paighton Barbre (102-116–219).
The tournament field was made up exclusively of GPAC schools. Dakota Wesleyan took first in the event on the women’s side.
The Concordia women’s golf team now takes a break before returning to action Sept. 16-17 for the two-day Lila Frommelt Invite hosted by Briar Cliff in Dakota Dunes, S.D.