The Hope College women's golf team proudly overcame some adversity the Flying Dutch hardly saw last fall to make history this weekend.
Coach Greg Stafford's Flying Dutch earned their first appearance at the NCAA Division III Championship next month by winning the MIAA's 54-hole qualifier that concluded Saturday at The Ravines Golf Club in Saugatuck.
Hope overcame the absence of one its top players Friday and Saturday to top a four-team field with a total of 973, including a winning final round of 319. The Flying Dutch never lost a MIAA event last fall en route to the regular-season title.
Sophomore Britni Gielow of Norton Shores, Michigan (Mona Shores HS), missed the final two rounds after being medalist in the first tournament because she was ill.
On Saturday, freshman Megan Klintworth of Jackson, Michigan (Hanover-Horton HS), posted a low round of 3-over-par 75 that included a 2-under par 34 on the front nine.
Senior Montana Leep of Hastings, Michigan (Grand Rapids South Christian HS), chipped in a 77, while freshman Nicole Meyer of Brighton, Michigan (Brighton HS), carded a 79.
Click to download a post-tournament interview with Montana Leep.
Junior Morgan Leep of Hastings, Michigan (South Christian HS), rounded out Hope's scoring with an 88.
Freshman Megan Wierenga of Byron Center, Michigan (South Christian HS), had a 91 for the Flying Dutch.
Hope finished 17 strokes ahead of second round-leader Olivet on the day and 15 for the tournament. The Flying Dutch were 67 strokes ahead of third-place Trine and 85 ahead of Saint Mary's.
Click to download a post-tournament interview with Greg Stafford.
The 2015 Division III Championship is May 12-15 in Howie-in-the-Hills, Florida.
