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French Wins Rain-Shortened
Cougar Invitational; Women's Golf Team Takes 6th |
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Wet conditions shortened the women's Cougar Invitational to one round, but CSUSM senior Jennell French didn't miss a beat, winning the event outright. The team didn't fare as well however, placing 6th in the 13-team field. "The women weren't very good today," comments Head Coach Fred Hanover. "That said, we played just one round, so it's not the greatest barometer of what we can do." Rough conditions prompted higher-than-usual scoring on the par-72 6,049-yard course at Lake San Marcos CC. Embry-Riddle handled the wet course best, and their score of +43 (331) was two shots clear of Southern Nazarene's +45 (333). Despite the Cougars' sixth-place finish, they were just five shots back of the winners. But the Cougars' major bright spot was French. Ironically, the senior wasn't particularly pleased with her +6 (78), according to Coach Hanover, and was surprised it was the best on the day. Still, Tuesday marked a major accomplishment for French - it was her third individual tournament title at CSUSM, which is a school record and a very rare feat at the college level. The fact that she believes she could have shot better is an indication of the high expectations she has for herself. "We have a very difficult schedule remaining, but she could win again," remarks Hanover. Unfortunately, no other Cougar broke the top-20 at their home tournament. Danielle Pearce came the closest, shooting +12 (84) to tie for 21st. Christina Austin's 85 was good for a tie for 28th, and Carly Ludwig (86) and Adriana Bowman (88) also finished in the top-40. Ellyse Siu (90) and Kathryn Hansen (98) rounded out the Cougars competing at the event. Next up for the Lady Cougars is a tournament at Point Loma Nazarene on March 4-6. |