Linfield golf teams fall short at final fall tournaments

Ross Passeck, Staff Writer

Wildcats golf was looking to take home the gold at Emerald Valley this weekend. Unfortunately for the ’Cats, the course and their competition kept them from the podium at the NWC Fall Classic.

The men entered the tournament on a high note with Lucas Balala, ’18, and Isaac Grebisz, ’19, shooting 75’s the first day. Those scores had them tied for eighth as individuals and carried Linfield into the second day of the tournament tied for third.

“I had a good first day when I shot 75, but had a rough day Sunday. Pretty similar to me the team had a pretty decent first day, but we struggled Sunday and fell to sixth overall,” Grebisz said.

The women had a similar experience at Emerald Valley with a quality first-day performance from Madeline Rice, ’18, who scored an 83.

Despite Rice’s performance the team failed to place beyond seventh out of nine teams.

“We played well as a team and a majority of us improved the second day. The course was tough but scoreable. The pin placements were particularly tough,” Tiana Yamaoka, ’18, said.

Despite these unsatisfactory finishes to their fall seasons, both teams are eager to grow and prepare for their spring season.

“Our team always has the goal to go out and have fun while also improving our golf game at every tournament, which makes me very proud to be a Wildcat,” Katy Mahr, ’19, said.