Gardner-Webb Prepares To Hit The Links Monday
September 03, 2008 | Women's Golf
Despite being a program in its first year of competition in the Big South Conference, head coach Tee Burton's team is one of the most experienced squads in the league. With four seniors, a sophomore and just one freshman, the Gardner-Webb women's golf team could have its best season yet under Burton.
The team, which does not lose any upperclassmen from a season ago, is anxious for the season to begin.
"What we lack in depth (having just six student-athletes on the roster), we make up for in experience," Burton said. "All five starters from last season's conference tournament return and should help lead us to a nice year."
Leading the way is senior Katie Garahan, who put together a superb season during her junior campaign. During the Bulldogs' last year in the Atlantic Sun Conference, Garahan earned top honors for GWU on five occasions. At the Diet Coke Wofford Intercollegiate, which was shortened to just one round because of the weather, Garahan posted a season-best four-over par, which tied her for third place.
"Katie is a consistent ball striker and has a good short game," Burton said. "She should contend for all-conference honors."
Fellow fourth-year player Yayoi Garcia played well a year ago and should only improve during her senior season. Garcia was at the top of the pack for GWU during three tournaments. In all three competitions, Garcia tallied top-10 finishes, including a season-best sixth-place effort at the Fighting Camel Spring Classic. There, she shot just five-over par.
Senior Mackenzie Renner had another solid season to her credit during her junior campaign, notching two second-place finishes on the team and three third-place efforts. Even the couple of tournaments that she was fourth among the Bulldog squad, Renner was just a shot behind the third-place competitor.
"Mackenzie is long off the tee and a good ball striker," Burton said. "With an improved short game, it should help her get to the next level during this year."
Senior Dana Prozeller came on strong for GWU after competing in just one fall tournament. During the spring season, she saw action the last three weeks of the season. Twice she posted scoring marks and finished with a season-best effort of 32nd place at the A-Sun Championship.
"Dana has a great golf swing and fundamentals," Burton said. "She is very long off the tee and has a nice touch around the greens."
With no juniors on the squad, the only other player with playing experience is sophomore Courtney Meyer. A year ago, Meyer tallied a memorable season, earning A-Sun all-freshman team honors for her performance at the conference championship. There, she tied for 20th overall with a 30-over par. During the course of the year, she led the Bulldogs one other time while also compiling three second-place finishes on the team.
"Courtney is very consistent in all areas of her game," Burton said. "That being said, she plays well when she is putting her best."
The only newcomer to the experienced squad is rookie Courtney Finocchario. Although the Bulldogs return their entire starting line-up, Finocchiaro could push for playing time.
"Courtney is a hard worker and a great student," Burton said. "She should improve quickly with collegiate experience."
The Bulldogs' fall season has five tournaments in preparation of the six spring competitions. GWU kicks off its inaugural Big South campaign at the Draper Valley Intercollegiate Sept. 8-9. From there, the Bulldogs head to the Great Smokies Women's Intercollegiate the following weekend before competing in the Sea Trail Intercollegiate Sept. 19-21. GWU will compete at the Cuthbert Cup Oct. 6-7 before wrapping up the fall season at the Lady Pirate Intercollegiate Oct. 19-21.
The spring season kicks off Feb. 22-24 at the Kiawah Island Spring Invitational. From there, the Red and Black head to the Moss Creek Intercollegiate March 7-8. From March 20-22, GWU will take part in the Shamrock Intercollegiate before traveling to Kennesaw, Ga., for the Larry Nelson tournament. On Apr. 6-7, GWU will take part in the Mimosa Hills Women's Intercollegiate, which will serve as its final preparation before the Big South Championship Apr. 13-15 in Ninety Six, S.C.
"We play a similar schedule as past years and hopefully that will show up in our tournament scores," Burton said. "All five returning players have all-conference potential and need to remain confident throughout each round and the entire year. I think the excitement of a new conference will help keep everyone motivated and focused throughout the year."
If everyone remains focused and gradually improves over the
course of the fall and spring seasons, look for the Bulldogs to vie
for the Big South Conference title.
