by Eva Dean Folkert
Having home-course advantage on Tuesday helped the Hope College women's golf team widen its lead in the MIAA standings.
The Flying Dutch won their third MIAA Jamboree of the season at Clearbrook Golf Club in Saugatuck with a team total of 328. Hope played seven strokes better than second-place Saint Mary's College (335) and 14 strokes better than third-place Trine University (342).
After three rounds of league play, Hope stands solidly in first place with 980 strokes, followed by Calvin University with 1006, Adrian College at 1013, and Saint Mary's College 1014.
The Jamboree's medalist was Hope's Grace VanDellen, pictured. The junior from Oxford, Michigan (Lutheran North) fired a six-over-par 78.
"Grace is a great player and a great teammate," said head coach Greg Stafford. "And she just keeps getting better."
Senior Megan Radaz of Alma, Michigan (Alma) was Hope's next lowest player with an 81. She was followed by senior Megan Jenkinson of Traverse City, Michigan (Traverse City West) who carded an 83; sophomore Emlin Munch of Traverse City, Michigan (Traverse City Central) who recorded an 86; and junior Rita Cheney of Mason, Michigan (Mason) who finished with an 88.
The event win was Hope's seventh in-a-row this season.
"We played very steady today, and that's the strength of our team," said head coach Greg Stafford. "We put five people out and all can score. And that's why we're doing well right now. We don't depend on one or two players; we have a solid team of five every time we play."
Playing as individuals for Hope were Lexi Miller (88), Abby Fansler (89), Abby Derocher (89), Lauren Sass (90), and Sarah Owens (96).
The last MIAA Jamboree will be played this Saturday, Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. at The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Then, two rounds of the MIAA Fall Finish will conclude league play the weekend of Oct. 8-9 at Bedford Valley Country Club in Battle Creek.
