Sept. 2, 2022
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad turned in a two-day total of 351-373–724. Concordia managed to beat out rival Doane as part of an event that included golfers from seven GPAC institutions.
“It was good to get back on the course and compete in a tournament again,” Muller said. “I was pretty pleased with our scores yesterday at Fox Run. Both Logan (Eschliman) and Lauren shot their career lows. We knew today at Hillcrest would be a tougher course and a real test. After about 13-14 holes, we had a chance to move up in the team standings but really struggled to finish the last few holes. We need to improve on and around the greens. We will learn from this and improve before our next tournament.”
The career low Muller spoke of for Havlat came in at an 81 in Thursday’s round. The Norris High School product backed it up with a 90 on Friday. Havlat’s cumulative 36-hole score of 171 placed her in 17th place out of a field of 60 golfers. West Des Moines, Iowa, native Mya Nurse was the lone Bulldog to shoot a lower score on Friday, as compared to Thursday. Nurse bumped up to a tie for 21st overall with her two-round total of 87-86–173.
The lineup of five was rounded out by Eschliman (85-94–179; T-29th), Ashley Gerczynski (98-103–201; T-43rd) and Sarah Wilson (102-107–209; 49th). In addition, Ericka Kroeker competed as an individual and shot 113-117–230 (56th). Eschliman’s 85 on day one represented a career low. The lineup will get a boost in the near future when freshman Emery Custer makes her collegiate debut.
Next up will be the Lila Frommelt Fall Classic hosted by Briar Cliff on Sept. 14-15. Both rounds of the tournament will be held at Green Valley Golf Course in Sioux City, Iowa. The Bulldogs placed sixth out of 11 teams at last year’s Frommelt Classic.
Sept. 14, 2022
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – After a break since the Mount Marty Fall Invite, the Concordia University Women’s Golf team returned to action on Wednesday (Sept. 14) for round one of the annual Lila Frommelt Fall Classic hosted by Briar Cliff. After day one of two of the event, the Bulldogs reside in sixth place via their team score of 344. The field of competitors at Green Valley Golf Course in Sioux City, Iowa, includes 12 teams and 68 golfers.
The 344 is an improvement from the scores Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad turned in at the Mount Marty Invite (351-373–724) in early September. With another 18 holes left to play in Sioux City, Concordia leads GPAC rivals Dordt (345), College of Saint Mary (352) and Doane (398).
On the individual leaderboard, Norris High School alum Lauren Havlat is currently tied for fifth place with her nine-over-par 81. She’s seven strokes off the tournament leader from Briar Cliff. The next Bulldog in line with a score of 83 is Logan Eschliman, who is tied for 10th. The remainder of the top five for Concordia includes Mya Nurse (88), Emery Custer (92) and Sarah Wilson (103). An accomplished golfer at Broken Bow High School, Custer made her collegiate debut on Wednesday. Finally, freshman Ericka Kroecker (111) competed individually while representing Concordia.
The top five teams on the tournament leaderboard heading into Thursday are Iowa Western Community College (321), Northwestern (332), Briar Cliff (333), Mount Marty (338) and Morningside (339).
Bulldogs on day one of Frommelt Fall Classic
T5. Lauren Havlat – 81 (+9)
T10. Logan Eschliman – 83 (+11)
T25. Mya Nurse – 88 (+16)
T42. Emery Custer – 92 (+20)
56. Sarah Wilson – 103 (+31)
64. Ericka Kroecker – 111 (+39)
The shotgun start for round two on Thursday is slated for 9 a.m. CT from Green Valley Golf Course. Live results can be followed through Golf Genius (https://www.golfgenius.com/ ) by using the GGID of 2022LILA.
Havlat shoots back-to-back 81s, leads Dawgs at Frommelt Classic Sept. 15, 2022
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – After entering day two of the 2022 Lila Frommelt Classic in fifth place, the Concordia University Women’s Golf team settled for eighth out of 12 groupings that took to Green Valley Golf Course in Sioux City, Iowa, on Wednesday and Thursday (Sept. 14-15). Briar Cliff played host to the event that featured 36 holes and included 68 individual golfers. Lauren Havlat emerged as the top performer for the Bulldogs and placed in a tie for seventh.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad turned in a two-day score of 344-354–698. Concordia got an early measuring stick in regard to where it stands currently in relation to many of its conference rivals.
“Lauren played well the last two days with a pair of 81s,” Muller said. “The conditions today were tougher with more wind. Lauren got off to a slow start but battled back to play her last 13 holes at four over par. As a team, we need to improve our putting. We gave away too many strokes on the greens.”
A Lincoln native and Norris High School alum, Havlat shot a consistent 81-81–162 (+18) at the Frommelt Classic and finished 12 strokes out of first place. She’s shown considerable improvement at the top of the lineup having averaged an 18-hole score of 83.3 through four rounds this fall. During the 2021-22 season, Havlat shot an average of 89.3 and garnered Honorable Mention All-GPAC honors.
Scores for all six Bulldogs at this week’s tournament are displayed below. A solid round on day two moved West Des Moines, Iowa, native Mya Nurse (88-86–174) up to the No. 2 spot in the Concordia lineup. The rest of the group of five included Logan Eschliman (83-97–180), Emery Custer (92-90–182) and Sarah Wilson (103-104–207) while Ericka Kroeker (109-106–215) competed individually. This event marked the collegiate debut of Custer, who missed the season opening Mount Marty Fall Invite.
Bulldogs at the Frommelt Fall Classic:
T7. Lauren Havlat: 81-81–162 (+18)
T25. Mya Nurse: 88-86–174 (+30)
T32. Logan Eschliman: 83-97–180 (+36)
T37. Emery Custer: 92-90–182 (+38)
54. Sarah Wilson: 103-104–207 (+63)
63. Ericka Kroeker: 109-106–215 (+71)
Next up will be the Matthew Goette Fall Classic hosted by College of Saint Mary on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Action is slated to tee off at 9 a.m. CT from Miracle Hill Golf Course in Omaha, Neb. The Bulldogs won the Goette Classic team title as recently as the fall of 2020.
Nurse, Custer earn top 10 medals at Goette Classic Sept. 21, 2022
OMAHA, Neb. – Two years after winning the annual Matthew Goette Fall Classic, the Concordia University Women’s Golf team hoped to make a push for another Goette Classic title on Wednesday (Sept. 21). The Bulldogs wound up in fourth place out of six teams at the one-day event hosted by College of Saint Mary at Miracle Hill Golf Course in Omaha, Neb. Concordia shot a team score of 345.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad was led by two top 10 place finishers: Mya Nurse (ninth) and Emery Custer (10th). There were 41 total golfers who competed at the Goette Classic.
Said Muller, “I’m proud of Emery’s play today. That’s much closer to what I expected her scores to be. We need to regroup quickly and be ready for Nebraska Wesleyan’s invite on Saturday and Sunday.”
Nurse and Custer shared eighth place overall at the event (but were bumped to ninth and 10th, respectively, after the tiebreaker was factored in) by carding an identical score of 12-over-par 84. This marked the second career top 10 tournament finish for Nurse, the native of West Des Moines, Iowa. As for Custer, a freshman from Broken Bow, Neb., this was her first career top 10 tournament claim. A major recruit for Muller, Custer currently ranks third on the team in scoring average (88.7).
Next in Concordia’s lineup of five were Lauren Havlat (88; T-16th), Logan Eschliman (89; 18th) and Sarah Wilson (96; 26th). Two golfers represented the Bulldogs as individuals: Ashley Gerczynski (102; 32nd) and Ericka Kroecker (113; 39th). Havlat placed in the top 10 at the previous tournament, the Lila Frommelt Fall Classic.
The relatively small field of teams at Miracle Hill included GPAC rivals in CSM, Mount Marty and Northwestern in addition to NAIA member Peru State College. The Bulldogs finished 37 strokes behind the tournament champion Red Raiders.
To conclude the week, the Bulldogs will take part in the two-day Nebraska Wesleyan Fall Invitational this Saturday and Sunday. The tournament is slated to get underway at 9 a.m. CT from Mahoney Golf Course on both days.
Havlat shoots career low, Bulldogs card season low in round one of NWU Invite Sept. 24, 2022
LINCOLN, Neb. – Amidst perfect sunny skies at Mahoney Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb., the Concordia University Women’s Golf turned in a season low score of 334 on Saturday (Sept. 24). Leading the way individually at the two-day Nebraska Wesleyan Fall Invitational, senior Lauren Havlat shot a career low 77 and is tied for sixth place on the individual leaderboard. The Bulldogs are coming off a fourth-place finish at Wednesday’s Matthew Goette Fall Classic.
Midway through the NWU Invite, Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad sits in third place out of eight teams. Concordia will enter Sunday’s round trailing only NCAA Division III Central College (321) and Mount Marty (328).
A Norris High School product, Havlat has thrived while taking on the role of the team’s No. 1 golfer. Her pervious career low was an 81. After factoring in Saturday’s round, Havlat owns a team best season scoring average of 83.0. Following Havlat's lead at Mahoney Golf Course, Mya Nurse and Emery Custer shot identical scores of 84. Below is the list of Concordia golfers on day one of the tournament.
T6. Lauren Havlat – 77
Action will pick up at 9 a.m. CT on Sunday from Mahoney. Following Sunday’s round, the Bulldogs will have just one event remaining on the fall schedule: the Nebraska Intercollegiate (Sept. 30-Oct. 1).
Havlat places top 10, Custer finishes strong as Bulldogs claim third at NWU Invite Sept. 25, 2022
LINCOLN, Neb. – While up against NAIA and NCAA Division III competition, the Concordia University Women’s Golf team put together a solid two rounds at the Nebraska Wesleyan University Fall Invitational held Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 24-25) at Mahoney Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb. The Bulldogs placed third out of eight teams while carding a two-day score of 334-352–686. Only Central College (Iowa) (321-309–630) and Mount Marty (328-331–659) outperformed Concordia.
Paced at the top of the lineup by Lauren Havlat and Emery Custer, Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad beat out GPAC rivals in Morningside (fifth) and Doane (eighth). The tournament field was made up of GPAC and American Rivers Conference teams.
“I was proud of the way the girls played on Saturday. We shot our lowest score of the fall season so far,” Muller said. “Lauren Havlat played great yesterday and Emery Custer continues to improve. The great thing with Emery is she’s not content with where she’s at. She has high expectations for herself and she’s someone who can make us better as a team.”
The round of 334 as a team on Saturday was 10 strokes better than the team’s previous season low of 344 at the Lila Frommelt Fall Classic. In shooting a 77 (five over par) on day one of the NWU Invite, Havlat achieved one of her goals of breaking into the 70s. The Norris High School product has slashed her season scoring average of 89.3 from 2021-22 down to 83.3 this fall. She’s placed in the top 20 of all four events this fall. Meanwhile, Custer shot a team low round on Sunday with an 83, pushing her into a tie for 19th on the final leaderboard. The Broken Bow, Neb., native carded 84-83–167 for the tournament.
The rest of the five-person lineup included Mya Nurse (84-89–173; T-23rd), Logan Eschliman (89-95–184; 34th) and Sarah Wilson (94-95–189; T-37th). Including Nurse’s 84 on Saturday, Concordia turned in five individual scores of 85 or lower for the tournament. In addition, Ashley Gerczynski (102-97–199) and Ericka Kroeker (109-110–219) competed as individuals at the NWU Invite. There were 54 total individuals in the field.
Bulldogs at NWU Invite:
T10. Lauren Havlat: 77-85–162
The final event of the fall season is coming up next weekend (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) when the Nebraska Intercollegiate will be held at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb. The tournament features both women’s and men’s golf teams from Nebraska colleges and universities.
Custer shoots 86, Bulldogs stand in fourth at Nebraska Intercollegiate Sept. 30, 2022
NORFOLK, Neb. – In a battle this weekend (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) for state bragging rights, the Concordia University Women’s Golf team has some ground to make up. The Bulldogs shot a 368 in Friday (Sept. 30)’s round one of the Nebraska Intercollegiate. The two-day event features competitors from six Nebraska institutions.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad currently sits behind Wayne State College (323), the University of Nebraska-Kearney (353) and Hastings (362) in the team race.
Individually, Concordia was led on day one by freshman Emery Custer, who shot a 14-over-par 86 and resides in a tie for 10th place out of 32 golfers. The tournament leader carded a 77 on Friday. The team’s No. 1 golfer this fall, Lauren Havlat, shot a 91 on Friday and is tied for 17th. Below is a summary of Concordia’s scores from day one of the tournament.
Concordia at Nebraska Intercollegiate:
T10. Emery Custer: 86 (+14)
Round two of the Nebraska Intercollegiate is slated to get underway from Norfolk Country Club at 10 a.m. CT on Saturday. It will be the final action of the fall portion of the 2022-23 schedule. Live results are available via the Nebraska Golf Association website: https://www.nebgolf.org/nebraska-intercollegiate/#scoring .
Bulldogs close fall by placing third at Nebraska Intercollegiate Oct. 1, 2022
NORFOLK, Neb. – The fall season concluded this weekend at the Nebraska Intercollegiate (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) as the Concordia University Women’s Golf team placed third out of six teams in the field. The event was held at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was freshman Emery Custer, who placed just outside the top 10.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad carded a two-round score of 368-354–722. The top two finishers were Wayne State College (653) and the University of Nebraska-Kearney (700).
Said Muller, “We didn’t play as well as we would have liked, but we were able to improve from yesterday and move up one spot. We beat the other GPAC schools there, so that should give us some confidence going into the spring.”
Custer shot 86-88–174 (+30) for the tournament and was two strokes short of claiming a top 10 placement. The top two scores for the team on Saturday were turned in by Lauren Havlat (91-86–177) and Mya Nurse (93-87–180). The rest of the lineup included Logan Eschliman (98-93–191) and Sarah Wilson (108-107–215). There were 31 total golfers in the tournament field.
The Bulldogs entered the weekend with a season average of 350.4. Their low round of 334 came on day one of the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite.
Concordia at Nebraska Intercollegiate:
T12. Emery Custer: 86-88–174 (+30)
The fall portion of the 2022-23 schedule is in the books. The spring 2023 slate will soon be announced. The 2023 GPAC Women’s Golf Championship will be held at Spencer Country Club in Spencer, Iowa, May 1-2 and will be a 54-hole event.
Spring Break 2023: Women's Golf headed to Phoenix area Mar. 1, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – The 2022-23 Concordia University Women’s Golf season is set to resume next week with a trip to the Phoenix area for spring break. The Bulldogs will take to Wigwam Resort Red Course in Litchfield Park, Ariz., next Tuesday and Wednesday (March 7-8) for the Southwestern Minnesota State Spring Invite. The host Mustangs are affiliated with NCAA Division II and will travel from their home of Marshall, Minn., to put on the event.
Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invite Golfstat
Day 1 tee times (MT)
Day 2 tee times
Head Coach Brett Muller’s women’s team participated in five events (nine rounds) during the fall portion of the 2022-23 season and averaged a score of 352.8. Concordia’s low round of the fall was the 334 it turned in on round one of the Nebraska Wesleyan Invitational. Individually, Lauren Havlat produced the team’s four lowest rounds (three 81s and a 77). The top five Bulldogs in terms of scoring average have been Havlat (84.4), Emery Custer (86.7), Mya Nurse (87.1), Logan Eschliman (91.4) and Ashley Gerczynski (100.4). At the Nebraska Intercollegiate, the freshman Custer led the way by shooting a solid 86-88–174 (12th place).
Following the spring break trip, the season will continue with the Concordia Spring Invitational (April 3-4), the College of Saint Mary Spring Invite (April 12-13), the Iowa Western Community College Bent Tree Showcase (April 17-18) and the GPAC Championships (May 1-2). The 2023 NAIA Women’s Golf Championships will be held in Silvis, Ill., May 23-26.
Custer paces Dawgs on first day of Phoenix-area spring invite Mar. 7, 2023
LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. – Up against a field full of NCAA Division II competitors, Concordia University Women’s Golf found itself in sunny Litchfield Park, Ariz., on the first of two days at the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invite. The Bulldogs shot a team score of 354 on Tuesday (March 7) in their first action since the Nebraska Intercollegiate back in the fall. Concordia sits in ninth place out of the 10 squads at the 36-hole event held at Wigwam Red Course.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad had three individuals card scores in the 80s on Tuesday. Freshman Emery Custer led the way with a 10-over-par 82 that places her in a tie for 33rd out of 62 golfers. The rest of the team’s individual scores are listed below.
Day 1 scores
Muller’s women’s team participated in five events (nine rounds) during the fall portion of the 2022-23 season and averaged a score of 352.8. Concordia’s low round of the fall was the 334 it turned in on round one of the Nebraska Wesleyan Invitational. Individually, Lauren Havlat produced the team’s four lowest rounds (three 81s and a 77). The top five Bulldogs in terms of scoring average entering the spring were Havlat (84.4), Custer (86.7), Nurse (87.1), Eschliman (91.4) and Ashley Gerczynski (100.4).
The first tee times on Wednesday are slated for 7:24 a.m. local time in Litchfield Park (8:24 a.m. CT). Concordia will try to keep in front of NCAA DII Bemidji State University (365 on day one) and perhaps catch Minot State University (339) on the team leaderboard.
Bulldogs knock off rust, enjoy warm weather at spring invite Mar. 8, 2023
LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. – The two-day spring break tournament is in the books for Concordia University Women’s Golf. The Bulldogs spent three days (one practice round) playing the course at Wigwam Red Course in Litchfield Park, Ariz., where 10 collegiate women’s golf teams came together for the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invite. The highlight of the 36-hole event (March 7-8) for Concordia was a career low round for freshman Emery Custer.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad shot a two-round total of 354-371–725 and placed ninth out of 10 teams. The Bulldogs were the lone NAIA representative in the field. All other teams present in Litchfield Park were affiliated with NCAA Division II.
“We struggled a little bit in our team score,” Muller said. “The girls really thought they could improve today, so there was some disappointment. At the same time, it’s very early in the spring season and we’ve only been outside one time at Highlands (Golf Course). There’s definitely some rust, but we enjoyed playing at a very nice course the last three days. The weather’s been absolutely perfect.”
The most recent spring break trip for the women’s golf program came in 2021 when Concordia made its way to Westworth Village, Texas. The men then traveled to Vegas a year ago. This time around, the Broken Bow, Neb., native Custer took advantage of the conditions on Tuesday when she shot a 10-over-par 82, outperforming her previous career best of 83. Custer wound up in a tie for 47th overall on the individual leaderboard (62 total individuals).
Lauren Havlat entered the spring leading the team in scoring average (84.4). The Lincoln, Neb., native carded a two-round score of 89-91–180 in Arizona. The rest of the five-person lineup featured Mya Nurse (87-93–180), Logan Eschliman (96-90–186) and Sarah Wilson (107-104–211). The team season average prior to the start of the tournament sat at 352.8.
SW Minnesota Spring Break Invite Totals
T47. Emery Custer: 82-97–179
T49. Lauren Havlat: 89-91–180
T49. Mya Nurse: 87-93–180
55. Logan Eschliman: 96-90–186
60. Sarah Wilson: 107-104–211
Next up on the schedule is the Concordia Bulldog Spring Invitational slated for April 3-4 at the home course, Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln. This will mark the fifth year that the program has hosted the event. Former Bulldog Kendra Placke won the individual title at least year’s Concordia Invite.
Tournament Preview: 2023 Concordia Spring Invitational Mar. 31, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – In its first event back from the spring break trip to the Phoenix area, Concordia University Women’s Golf will host its own tournament. The Bulldogs are preparing to welcome a field of roughly 65 golfers to the Concordia Bulldog Spring Invitational set for this coming Monday and Tuesday (April 3-4). Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb., will serve as the venue for both days of action. The first tee shots will take place at 9 a.m. on Monday.
Concordia Bulldog Spring Invitational Golf Genius app (GGID = 23BULLDOGINVITE)
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad will enter the week having competed in six events (11 rounds) during the 2022-23 season. Concordia has averaged a team score of 354.5 with a season low of 334 coming in the first round of the Nebraska Wesleyan Invitational back in the fall. The top individuals (based on scoring average) in the Bulldog lineup have been Lauren Havlat (85.5), Emery Custer (87.3), Mya Nurse (87.6) and Logan Eschliman (91.7). Havlat shot the team’s lowest round of the season to this point, a 77 at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite. At the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invitational, Custer turned in a collegiate low round of 82.
With the exception of the spring of 2020, Concordia has hosted its own invite each year since 2018. Last year’s Concordia Invite was shortened to one round and saw the Bulldogs place fourth out of 13 teams with a score of 342. Former Concordia great Kendra Placke claimed the 2022 individual title while shooting a three-over-par 75. Three current Bulldogs were also part of the team’s top five: Nurse (87), Havlat (90) and Eschliman (92).
Next up for Concordia after its own invite will be the College of Saint Mary Spring Invite on March 12-13. The tournament will be staged at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, Neb.
Custer, Nurse lead the way in first two rounds of Concordia Invite Apr. 3, 2023
LINCOLN, Neb. – A group of 11 teams and 64 golfers made up the field of competitors at the fifth Concordia Bulldog Spring Invitational that got underway with 36 holes of action on Monday (April 3). Leading the way for Concordia University Women’s Golf, Emery Custer and Mya Nurse both reside with the top 20 of the individual leaderboard with one round left to be contested at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad carded a two-round score of 346-344–690 while making its way around the home course. The Bulldogs stand in sixth place as a team in competition against eight other GPAC squads, one NCAA Division II foe and one JUCO institution.
The Broken Bow, Neb., native Custer again reset her career low by shooting a nine-over-par 81 in round one on Monday. Custer (81-83–164) is tied for 12th after day one and is just two strokes out of the top 10. Meanwhile, the West Des Moines, Iowa, native Nurse (80-85–165) sits a stroke behind Custer and is tied for 17th. The rest of the team’s top five includes Lauren Havlat (89-80–169; T-24th), Logan Eschliman (96-97–193; 51st) and Sarah Wilson (106-96–202; 56th). In addition, Ericka Kroeker (106-99–205; T-57th) competed as an individual.
Entering day two, Concordia will be chasing the likes of Iowa Western Community College (633), University of Nebraska-Kearney (640), Briar Cliff (651), Dakota Wesleyan (682) and Morningside (684). This marks the first time the Concordia Invite has ever used a three-round format.
Concordia Invite Results – first two rounds
TEAM: 346-344–690 (6th place)
T12. Emery Custer: 81-83–164
17. Mya Nurse: 80-85–165
T24. Lauren Havlat: 89-80–169
51. Logan Eschliman: 96-97–193
56. Sarah Wilson: 106-96–202
T57. Ericka Kroeker: 106-99–205
The third and final round of the tournament will get started at 8:30 a.m. CT from Highlands. Live scoring will again be available via the Golf Genius app by using the GGID of 23BULLDOGINVITE.
Bulldogs finish three-round Concordia Invite in seventh place Apr. 4, 2023
LINCOLN, Neb. – Hoping to make a move in the final round of the Concordia Bulldog Spring Invitational, the Concordia University Women’s Golf team shot a 350 on Tuesday (April 4) and settled for seventh place out of 11 teams. The program welcomed a total of 65 golfers to the fifth spring tournament it has hosted since 2018. The Bulldogs shot a three-round score of 346-344-350–1,040 over the two-day event held at the home course, Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad was led individually by a top-20 placement from freshman Emery Custer. Concordia emerged from the tournament knowing it is capable of slashing strokes off its team score as the spring season continues.
“I definitely think at times we showed glimpses of our potential,” Muller said. “We really struggled with our consistency. Our short game kind of got exposed, which is a little bit disappointing on our home course. That’s something we’ll focus on before the CSM Invite – our short game and putting. If you ask the girls, they know that’s an area we can save a lot of strokes on.”
This year’s tournament marked the first time it had ever included three rounds of action. When the dust settled, Iowa Western Community College (928) claimed the team title and the University of Nebraska-Kearney’s Brooke King (224) claimed the individual championship. They were the winners in a field that included competitors from nine GPAC institutions, one NCAA Division II school and one junior college. The Bulldogs managed to beat out conference rivals in College of Saint Mary (1,041), Mount Marty (1,070), Hastings (1,121) and Doane (1,165).
A rookie from Broken Bow, Neb., Custer shot a collegiate career low round on Monday and was in the running for a top 10 finish entering Tuesday’s action. She wound up tied for 19th place with her score of 81-83-87–251. She was the lone Bulldog to card three rounds in the 80s. Not far behind her were teammates Lauren Havlat (89-80-85–254; T-25th) and Mya Nurse (80-85-90–255; 28th). The team’s top five was rounded out by Logan Eschliman (96-97-88–281; T-46th) and Sarah Wilson (106-96-98–300; 53rd). Meanwhile, Ericka Kroecker (106-99-101–306; T-58th) and Ashley Gerczynski (93 in round 3) competed as individuals.
This was the final home event for the senior class, which includes Eschliman, Gerczysnki and Havlat. A Norris High School alum, Havlat owns a career scoring average of 90.1 in 57 rounds while Eschliman has averaged a score of 94.7 in 55 rounds. Havlat has two top 10 tournament finishes this season to her credit.
Concordia Invite Final Results
TEAM: 346-344-350–1,040 (7th place)
T19. Emery Custer: 81-83-87–251
T25. Lauren Havlat: 89-80-85–254
28. Mya Nurse: 80-85-90–255
T46. Logan Eschliman: 96-97-88–281
53. Sarah Wilson: 106-96-98–300
T58. Ericka Kroeker: 106-99-101–306
Ashley Gerczynski: shot 94 in round 3
The Bulldogs will now look forward to next week’s College of Saint Mary Invite (April 12-13) to be held at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha. The Concordia Women’s Golf program last played at Tiburon in the fall of 2021 at the Matthew Goette Invite hosted by CSM (placed third out of eight teams).
Bulldogs lead field after day one of CSM Spring Classic Apr. 12, 2023
OMAHA, Neb. – Forty-three golfers battled through high winds on Wednesday (April 12) as round one of the College of Saint Mary Spring Classic unfolded at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, Neb. The Concordia University Women’s Golf team carded a team score of 359 and leads the field of seven teams with one round to be played yet on Thursday. In large part due to the blustery conditions, not a single golfer cracked the 70s in round one of the tournament.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad is hoping to fend off four fellow GPAC teams and two other in-state foes at the CSM Classic. Heading into round two, the Bulldogs lead Northwestern (360), CSM (370), Nebraska Wesleyan (381), Hastings (390), Doane (407) and Peru State (417).
Individually, Concordia freshman Emery Custer has positioned herself for a chance at a tournament championship. With a 14-over-par 86 on Wednesday, Custer is just two strokes off co-leaders Mackenzie Loseke of Hastings and Claire Yunag of Northwestern. Custer is joined in the top 10 of the tournament leaderboard by teammates Logan Eschliman (89; 7th) and Mya Nurse (90; T-8th). Lauren Havlat resides just outside the top 10 after shooting a 94.
The team scoring average entering the event sat at 352.9. Havlat (85.3), Custer (86.4) and Nurse (87.1) own the Bulldogs’ top individual scoring averages.
Concordia round one scores (par 72):
T3. Emery Custer: 86
7. Logan Eschliman: 89
T8. Mya Nurse: 90
14. Lauren Havlat: 94
T32. Sarah Wilson: 105
35. Ashley Gerczynski: 108
T40. Ericka Kroeker: 116
Round two in Omaha will get underway with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. CT on Thursday. Once the tournament is in the books, the Bulldogs will have just one event remaining, the Bent Tree Intercollegiate Showcase (April 17-18), prior to the GPAC Championships (May 1-2). The CSM Spring Classic can be followed live via Golf Genius (GGID of CSM2023).
Three Bulldogs place top 10 individually in leading second-place team finish Apr. 13, 2023
OMAHA, Neb. – While making a bid for a tournament championship, the Concordia University Women’s Golf team ultimately placed as the runner up at the 2023 College of Saint Mary Spring Classic. The Bulldogs wound up five strokes behind first-place Northwestern at the two-day event (April 12-13) held at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, Neb. Individually, Emery Custer, Logan Eschliman and Lauren Havlat each placed in the top 10 in a field of 43 competitors that battled through significant wind gusts.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad shot a two-round total of 359-365–724. Concordia placed above College of Saint Mary (742), Nebraska Wesleyan (768), Hastings (793), Doane (814) and Peru State (850).
“It was absolutely brutal conditions the last couple days,” Muller said. “When you have zero players shoot in the 70s on either day, that kind of displays how gnarly the winds were here. I was proud of the way we played the last two days. It was nice to see us put three girls in the top 10. It’s probably been a while since we’ve had that, so it was a strong showing overall.”
The two rounds of action were characterized by both warm and blustery conditions in Omaha. The freshman Custer of Broken Bow, Neb., managed to shoot two sub-90s scores (86-89–175) while placing in a tie for third. She finished three strokes off the tournament co-leaders. Next in line, teammates Eschliman (89-92–181) placed sixth and Havlat (94-88–182) shared seventh place. The most recent occurrence that saw Concordia place three players in the top 10 (in a tournament of similar size or greater) was back in September 2020 when Kendra Placke, Andrea Peterson and Havlat found their way into the top 10 of the Matthew Goette Fall Classic.
The rest of the Bulldog contingent the past couple days included Mya Nurse (90-96–186; 12th), Sarah Wilson (105-114–219; T-35th), Ericka Kroeker (116-120–236; 40th) and Ashley Gerczynski (108-WD). Nurse finished four strokes short of placing inside the top 10.
Concordia CSM Classic scores (par 72-72–144):
T3. Emery Custer: 86-89–175
6. Logan Eschliman: 89-92–181
T7. Lauren Havlat: 94-88–182
12. Mya Nurse: 90-96–186
T35. Sarah Wilson: 105-114–219
40. Ericka Kroeker: 116-120–236
Ashley Gerczynski: 108-WD
Another two-day event is coming up early next week. The Bulldogs will be headed to Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for the Bent Tree Intercollegiate Showcase (April 17-18) hosted by Iowa Western Community College. The action is scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m. CT on both days. That event will be the final tune up prior to the GPAC Championships (May 1-2).
Nurse leads Bulldogs on day one of Bent Tree Intercollegiate Apr. 17, 2023
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Pristine weather conditions made for a pleasant day on the course at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Monday (April 17). However, Concordia University Women’s Golf was unable to take advantage of the favorable weather in the way that it had hoped. With one of two rounds in the books at the Bent Tree Intercollegiate hosted by Iowa Western Community College, the Bulldogs reside in fifth place out of six teams. There are 37 individual golfers in the tournament field.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad shot a team score of 386 on Monday. Concordia will enter round two chasing Bellevue University (325), Iowa Western (328), Briar Cliff (339) and College of Saint Mary (354).
Individually, junior Mya Nurse was the lone Bulldog to break into the 80s. She shot 89 and is currently tied for 14th place. Nurse was followed in the lineup by two teammates who both shot 95, Logan Eschliman and Lauren Havlat. The team score was affected by the absence of freshman Emery Custer, who carries a season 18-hole scoring average of 86.6. Concordia entered the tournament with a team 18-hole average of 354.0.
Concordia first round scores (par 72):
T14. Mya Nurse: 89
T23. Lauren Havlat: 95
T23. Logan Eschliman: 95
29. Ashley Gerczynski: 107
T33. Ericka Kroeker: 112
35. Sarah Wilson: 117
Action will resume at the Bent Tree Intercollegiate Invite at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday. It will be the season’s final round prior to the upcoming 2023 GPAC Championships set for May 1-2 in Spencer, Iowa.
Concordia places fifth at two-round Bent Tree Intercollegiate Apr. 18, 2023
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The performances fell short of expectations for Concordia University Women’s Golf at the two-round Bent Tree Intercollegiate hosted by Iowa Western Community College on Monday and Tuesday (April 17-18). The Bulldogs carded identical team scores of 386 on both days while playing the course at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Concordia placed fifth out of six teams while being led by junior Mya Nurse.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad totaled a cumulative score of 772 at the Bent Tree Intercollegiate. The top four teams in the field were Iowa Western (639), Bellevue University (655), Briar Cliff (679) and College of Saint Mary (712). The field included 38 individuals.
The West Des Moines, Iowa, native Nurse was the lone Bulldog to shoot a score in the 80s in ether of the two rounds. She placed in a tie for 20th while shooting 89-93–182. She was followed in the team’s top three by Logan Eschliman (95-96–191; 25th) and Lauren Havlat (95-98–193; 26th). While many Concordia competitors shot higher scores than normal, the team total was also affected by the absence of freshman Emery Custer (season 18-hole average of 86.6).
Concordia scores at Bent Tree Intercollegiate (par 72-72–144)
T20. Mya Nurse: 89-93–182
25. Logan Eschliman: 95-96–191
26. Lauren Havlat: 95-98–193
32. Sarah Wilson: 117-99–216
T33. Ashley Gerczynski: 107-113–220
35. Ericka Kroecker: 112-118–230
Next up will be the 2023 GPAC Championships, which will feature three rounds at Spencer Golf and Country Club in Spencer, Iowa, May 1-2. Last season the Bulldogs placed fifth in the conference (351-353-365-343–1,412) behind third-place individual finisher Kendra Placke. Havlat tied for 17th.
Tournament Preview: 2023 GPAC Women's Golf Championship Apr. 28, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – Fifty-four holes of competition will decide a conference champion over two days (May 1-2) at the 2023 GPAC Women’s Golf Championship. The event will be held at Spencer Golf and Country Club in Spencer, Iowa, a course unfamiliar to Concordia University Women’s Golf. Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad placed fifth in the GPAC in 2021-22. The Bulldogs have played in four varsity events (nine rounds) this spring leading up to the GPAC Championship tournament.
2023 GPAC Women’s Golf Championship https://www.golfgenius.com/ (GGID = 23WGPAC)GPAC Women’s Golf homepage
By the numbers
· At the 2021-22 conference championships (split between the fall and spring), Concordia carded a four-round total of 351-353-365-343–1,412. The top four team finishers in the GPAC were Morningside (1,277), Dakota Wesleyan (1,361), Briar Cliff (1,362) and Mount Marty (1,404). Individually, an all-time Bulldog great, Kendra Placke polished off her collegiate career by placing third (80-74-84-79–317). Next in line for Concordia were Lauren Havlat (86-87-94-86–353; T-17th), Logan Eschliman (93-90-100-90–373; T-36th) and Mya Nurse (92-102-91-88–373; T-36th). The reigning individual GPAC champion is Morningside’s Sofia Castelan (74-76-78-79–307).
· The Bulldogs enter the conference tournament with a 2022-23 season average of 357.6 over nine events (18 rounds) between the fall and spring. This spring, Concordia has turned in tournament place finishes of ninth (of 10) at the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invite (NCAA DII field), seventh (of 11) at the Concordia Spring Invitational, second (of seven) at the College of Saint Mary Spring Invite and fifth (of six) at the Bent Tree Intercollegiate hosted by Iowa Western Community College. The best team score carded this spring was a 344 in round two of the Concordia Invite. Back in the fall, the Bulldogs shot a 334 at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite.
· The team’s performance dipped at the Bent Tree Intercollegiate in the absence of freshman Emery Custer. The Broken Bow High School alum leads the team with an 18-hole season scoring average of 86.6. Custer is followed in that category by teammates in Havlat (87.2), Nurse (88.2), Eschliman (92.3), Ashley Gerczynski (102.7), Sarah Wilson (103.4) and Ericka Kroeker (110.6). While helping the team place as the CSM Spring Invite runner up, Custer (third), Eschliman (sixth) and Havlat (seventh) each earned top 10 medals. Back in the fall at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite, Havlat shot what remains the lowest individual round for a Bulldog this season – a 77. Havlat and Nurse both turned in one round with an 80 at the Concordia Invite.
· The conclusion to their collegiate careers is nearing for three seniors: Gerczynski, Havlat and Eschliman. A constant in the lineup in her four years, Havlat has played 61 career rounds with an average score of 90.4. Meanwhile, Eschliman has played 59 career rounds with an average score of 94.6. They have helped the program to two third place finishes at the GPAC tournament. Havlat has placed in the top 10 of three tournaments in 2022-23.
· Over the previous five seasons, the program has recorded GPAC place finishes of fifth in 2021-22, third in 2020-21, third in 2019-20, seventh in 2018-19 and 10th in 2017-18. Back in 2016-17, Amy Ahlers made history by becoming the first Bulldog in program history to win the GPAC individual tournament title. Ahlers shot 83-76-77-83–319 for the tournament. As the GPAC champion, Ahlers qualified for the national tournament. Meanwhile, Placke’s year-by-year conference tournament place finishes were fifth, sixth, seventh and third, respectively. Placke graduated with program records for lowest career scoring average (80.7) and lowest single season scoring average (79.8 in 2021-22).
NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship
National qualifiers that come out of the conference championships will continue their seasons with the 2023 NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship set to be played in Silvis, Ill., May 23-26. For more information on the national tournament, click HERE .
Bulldogs sit 10th after two rounds at GPAC Championships May 1, 2023
SPENCER, Iowa – With two rounds in the books on the first of two days at the 2023 GPAC Women’s Golf Championship, Concordia University Women’s Golf resides in 10th place amongst the 12 conference squads. Thirty-six holes of conference tournament action took place at Spencer Golf and Country Club in Spencer, Iowa, on Monday (May 1). The Bulldogs carded a two-round total of 365-372–737 on another gusty spring day in the Midwest. Not a single GPAC competitor carded a round in the 70s for the day.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s program is coming off a fifth-place conference finish in 2021-22. When the 2023 tournament resumes on Tuesday, Concordia (+161) will attempt to catch some of the teams immediately in front of it, such as Hastings (+152), Morningside (+158) and Dordt (+160) .
The top three in the Bulldog lineup were closely bunched on Monday. Freshman Emery Custer of Broken Bow, Neb., sits just one stroke out of the 10 in a field of 54 golfers that completed rounds one and two. Custer shot 88-91–179 (tied for 12th place), a strong total given the blustery conditions. She was followed closely by teammates Logan Eschliman (90-91–181; T-18th) and Lauren Havlat (88-94–182; T-20th), two seniors on the verge of wrapping up their collegiate careers. Meanwhile, Mya Nurse shot 99-96–195 (T-43rd). In the No. 5 spot in the lineup, Ashley Gerczynski (102) and Sarah Wilson (111) both took a turn navigating the course.
The course in Spencer is an unfamiliar one for Concordia. Since playing in the Phoenix area over spring break, the Bulldogs have stuck close to home this spring. Entering the week, Concordia sported a team 18-hole scoring average of 357.6. Its best score of the spring was a 344 in round two of the Concordia Invite.
Concordia GPAC Championship Scores, Day 1
TEAM: 365-372–737
T12. Emery Custer: 88-91–179
T18. Logan Eschliman: 90-91–181
T20. Lauren Havlat: 88-94–182
T43. Mya Nurse: 99-96–195
Ashley Gerczynski: 102
Sarah Wilson: 111
The third and final round of the 2023 GPAC Women’s Golf Championship is scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday from Spencer. Live scoring can be found via the Golf Genius app while using the Golf Genius ID of 23WGPAC.
Havlat paces Bulldogs as season ends with 10th place GPAC finish May 2, 2023
SPENCER, Iowa – On the final day of the 2023 GPAC Women’s Golf Championship, featuring the closing round of the event, Concordia University Women’s Golf held in 10th place while carding a score of 368 on Tuesday (May 2). All three rounds of the conference tournament were held at Spencer Golf and Country Club in Spencer, Iowa, where the windy conditions resulted in higher scores than the norm. While wrapping up her collegiate career, Lauren Havlat paced the Bulldogs with an 87 in round three.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad completed the GPAC Championships with a total of 365-372-368–1,105. Concordia managed to beat out in-state rivals Doane (1,211) and Midland (1,415). Meanwhile, Briar Cliff claimed the GPAC team title and Morningside’s Sofia Castelan captured the individual crown.
“The last two days may be the strongest sustained winds we’ve competed in since I’ve coached,” Muller said. “Over three rounds and there are only two scores in the seventies shows how tough the conditions were. After the first 18, we were tied for seventh and only 14 shots from the lead. We really struggled in the second round and fell back to 10th. I thought today we had a chance to move up a few spots but struggled to finish. I’m proud of our three seniors, Lauren, Logan (Eschliman) and Ashley (Gerczynski), for their contributions to the Bulldogs over their four seasons.”
The Norris High School alum Havlat battled the winds for a solid conclusion to her career. An Honorable Mention All-GPAC selection in 2022, Havlat moved up to 17th on the final individual leaderboard with a three-round total of 88-94-87–269. Havlat accumulated 19 pars and one birdie throughout the tournament. In her first experience at the GPAC tournament, freshman Emery Custer followed Havlat with a 25th-place claim with her score of 88-91-93–272. Two others in the lineup competed in all three GPAC rounds: Eschliman (90-91-96–277; T-30th) and junior Mya Nurse (99-96-92–287; T-40th). Finally, Gerczynski and Sarah Wilson shared the No. 5 spot in the lineup. Gerczynski carded rounds of 102 and 104, respectively, while Wilson posted a 111 in round two of the tournament.
Each of the seniors were part of Bulldog squads that placed third in the GPAC in both 2020 and 2021. Havlat improved tremendously throughout her career, as she cut her 18-hole average from 95.3 as a freshman to 87.5 as a senior. The 2022-23 season saw a close race for the top season average on the team as Custer (87.3) edged Havlat (87.5). The team’s final season average came in at 359.1. The Broken Bow High School alum Custer figures to anchor the 2023-24 lineup.
Concordia GPAC Championship Scores
TEAM: 365-372-368–1,105 (+241)
T17. Lauren Havlat: 88-94-87–269
T25. Emery Custer: 88-91-93–272
T30. Logan Eschliman: 90-91-96–277
T40. Mya Nurse: 99-96-92–287
Ashley Gerczynski: 102-NA-104
Sarah Wilson: NA-111-NA
Custer, Havlat recognized with All-GPAC honors May 11, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – As a result of their consistently strong play during the 2022-23 season, Emery Custer and Lauren Havlat have represented Concordia University Women’s Golf with all-conference awards, as announced by the GPAC on Thursday (May 11). Custer has been honored as the GPAC Newcomer of the Year while Havlat was named to the all-conference second team. In a new procedure for determining all-conference teams, GPAC coaches voted on the top players while taking into account the entire season of results. The top 10 vote getters were considered first team and the next five were named to the second team.
The likes of Custer and Havlat led the way for Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad, which placed 10th in the GPAC this spring. As a team, the Bulldogs averaged a score of 359.1 this past season and were a runner-up finisher at the College of Saint Mary Spring Classic.
A Lincoln, Neb., native and Norris High School alum, Havlat concluded her collegiate golf career in early May. She placed in a tie for 17th in the GPAC individually in 2023. Also an Honorable Mention All-GPAC performer in 2021-22, Havlat achieved six career top-10 tournament finishes over the past four seasons. She helped Concordia to third place GPAC team finishes in 2020 and 2021. Havlat finished her senior season with a scoring average of 87.5 while competing in all 21 rounds. She shot a career low of 77 in round one of the 2022 Nebraska Wesleyan Fall Invite. For her career, Havlat averaged a score of 90.3 in 64 rounds.
Custer wound up leading Concordia in scoring average as a freshman with a figure of 87.3. The Broken Bow High School graduate placed third at the College of Saint Mary Spring Classic and was an eighth-place finisher at the Matthew Goette Fall Classic. At the GPAC Championships, Custer tied for 25th while shooting a three-round total of 88-91-93–272. A key member of a high school state championship team, Custer shot her collegiate career low of 81 in round one of the Concordia Spring Invite.
Gerczynski, Nurse tabbed NAIA Scholar-Athletes May 22, 2023
SEWARD, Neb. – A pair of Bulldogs represented Concordia University Women’s Golf with 2023 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete distinction, as announced by the NAIA on Monday (May 22). Ashley Gerczynski and Mya Nurse were honored for their work in the classroom. The Elizabeth, Colo., native Gerczynski is now a three-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete while the West Des Moines, Iowa, native Nurse has garnered the award in back-to-back years. Gerczynski graduated in May with a degree in Business Administration while Nurse is studying Music Therapy.
The 2022-23 list of women’s golf honorees features nearly 350 total student-athletes. In order to be nominated by an institution’s head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution.
Concordia University ranks as the NAIA’s all-time leader in number of Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes with 2,121 entering the 2022-23 academic year. The school record for number of Scholar-Athletes in one academic year is 226 achieved in 2019-20. Concordia has been a regular national leader for both Scholar-Athletes and Scholar-Teams.
2023 Women’s Golf NAIA Scholar-Athletes
· Ashley Gerczynski (Elizabeth, Colo.)
· Mya Nurse (Wes Des Moines, Iowa)