Freshmen Krueger and Ahlers pace Bulldogs at Morningside Invite

After losing its top three performers from last season, Concordia women’s golf is experiencing a youth movement at the top of the lineup. Freshmen Kayla Krueger and Amy Ahlers shined in their collegiate debuts on Friday at the Morningside Invite as Concordia carded a team score of 381 and finished in fourth place among the 10-team field.

Krueger, a native of Aberdeen, S.D., and Ahlers, who hails from Albion, Neb., settled in nicely for head coach Brett Muller. Krueger placed in a tie for fifth (out of 77) on the individual leaderboard with an 87 while Ahlers placed 10th with an 89.

“They have definitely separated themselves from the pack,” Muller said. “They have consistently been in the high 30s and low 40s in practice (at Seward Country Club). I’m excited to see them progress. It’s great to see them come in and be ready to go right away.

“They are definitely individuals that can come in and take the program to the next level.”

Juniors Melissa McIntosh (T30 – 97), Allison Schieffer (64 – 108) and Jenelle Hallaert (T73 – 120) rounded out the remainder of the lineup in the team’s season-opening event.

It will be a quick turnaround for Bulldog women’s golf as the team now looks forward to GPAC Qualifier No. 1 on Tuesday in Mitchell, S.D. This will be the first of four conference qualifier competitions throughout the 2013-14 athletic season.

Muller says he will use the same varsity lineup on Tuesday with Krueger and Ahlers again expected to lead the charge.