Keith Mader
The women’s golf placed second in the NWC championships on May 26.
Linfield had a team score of 700, four points behind the University of Puget Sound’s 696.
“I saw the potential in the fall, but this tournament the potential became a reality,” sophomore Brynn Hurdus said.
Hurdus tied for second place with a two-day combined score of 163.
“I was two strokes behind going into the second day, I was playing with the leader,” Hurdus said. “I was beating her after the front nine. I started struggling with my driver a little bit on the back side.”
UPS sophomore Sarah Bicker placed first with a score of 162.
“My short game was really good the second day,” Hurdus said. “One or two shots in particular I couldn’t make up cost me the tournament. On the the 16th hole, she parred and I bogied.”
Hurdus said she felt disappointed being one stroke from victory.
“I came into the second day with high hopes and the fire to win, but she slipped past me,” Hurdus said.
Freshman Sophie Corr shot 171 to earn fourth place individually.
“Sophie Corr has improved the most this year as an individual,” Hurdus said. “She’s only been playing since her sophomore year of high school.”
Head coach Karly Cramer was not able to attend the tournament.
“Our coach is pregnant and she’s due May 2,” Hurdus said. “We wanted to make her proud and shoot well. We looked forward to calling her after the rounds and tell her to make her happy.”
Linfield professor Don Graff-Haight substituted coach for Cramer during the tournament.
“It was something different to have her there, and she kept us relaxed because she’s so funny,” Hurdus said. “We missed our coach but at least had someone there to keep up our spirits.”
Hurdus and Corr achieved all-NWC team honors.
After reflecting on the tournament, the ’Cats are already excited about next season.
“We did so well in this last tournament, and it proves that we’re ready to take on all of the challenges of next season,” Hurdus said. “It’s my goal for the team to go to nationals next year.”
Hurdus has high hopes for more Wildcat golf supporters next year.
“It was nice most of our parents came and watched the championships,” Hurdus said. “Personally, I love when people come and watch and we have that support.”
Hurdus said she is pleased with the progress of the team.
“The team has learned a lot this year, and we’re much better than when we started,” she said.