The Bobcats were coming off a great start with a dual win over the College of St. Mary on the Friday previous, but the “crazy” things started happening at the tournament as the team's captain, Jordan Schaardt
came down with the stomach flu before the start of play. Despite this, Schaardt played the first 15 holes before succumbing to the virus and exhaustion. Hahn noted he was extremely proud of Schaardt's heart and desire to try to play through the illness.
The first day of the two-day invite was held at the Mahoney Golf Course and the second day at the Holmes Golf Course.
The Bobcats finished in 11
th overall out of 12 teams and most likely would have been as high as sixth had Schaardt been able to play. Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU), the 24
th-ranked team in the NAIA, won the invite with a team total of 657. Following DWU was Morningside College – 667, Bellevue University – 678, Iowa Western CC – 686, Nebraska Wesleyan University – 741, Doane College – 742, Hastings College – 746, Concordia University (Neb.) – 754, Briar Cliff University – 762, Midland University -771, Peru State – 779, and College of St. Mary – 802.
Courtney Musgrave
(Omaha) finished as the team's top golfer having rounds of 85 and 96 for a 181 total – good for 25
th overall. Other Bobcat golfers with their scores and placing were: Katie Potter
(Omaha) - 92 and 94 for a 186 total – tied for 31
st; Ellen Larsen
(Lincoln) 93 and 97 for a 190 total – 38
th; and Jacey Stoner
(Alda) 112 and 110 for a 222 total – 63
rd.
Coach Hahn added, “We were riding a nice wave of momentum after our opening duel and were hoping for the same results at Nebraska Wesleyan. We knew we were up against some of the best competition we have and will see this season. (Dakota Wesleyan is #24 in the NAIA national rankings). With our captain now on the sidelines, the remaining girls knew they had some work to do. They all played very well on the first day. Jacey showed just how far she has come with her ball striking by missing only three fairways all day off the tee. The green were her downfall in the end but remains confident she will be posting a career best very soon.”
In conclusion, Hahn stated, “Day 2 arrived with the Bobcats missing their captain yet again due to her high fever and stomach flu. The second day proved to be more challenging due to the heat and added sense of urgency the team was feeling. Each girl put everything they had into their rounds, but unfortunately did not produce the results we wanted. I told the girls I was proud of them for leaving it all on the course and for never giving up. We are now focusing on preparing for the upcoming Avila Invite in Kansas City and will bring the best of us yet again to the course.”
The Bobcats will next be competing in the Avila University Spring Invite on Monday and Tuesday, April 9 and 10, in Kansas City, Mo.
