by Eva Dean Folkert
Megan Jenkinson shot the lowest individual round of her career for the Hope College women's golf team on Friday. The senior from Traverse City, Michigan (Traverse City West) fired a three-over par 75 at Clearbrook Country Club in Saugatuck to lead the Flying Dutch to a 327-366 dual match win over Albion College.
The victory came in Hope's opener of the 2021 season, and Jenkinson, pictured, started the fall off with a steady swing by carding 13 pars, four bogeys, and one birdie.
"Megan made everything look easy today," said head coach Greg Stafford, "and it was just fun to watch. It was just a wonderful round for her."
Sophomore Emlin Munch (Traverse City/Traverse City Central) was Hope's next lowest scorer with a round of 80. She was followed by sophomore Abby Fansler of Muskegon, Michigan (Muskegon Reeth-Puffer) who shot an 85; senior Megan Radaz of Alma, Michigan (Alma) with an 87; and junior Rita Cheney of Mason, Michigan (Mason) who carded a 92.
"It was great to see Megan Radaz battle today," Stafford added. "On her first nine, she shot a 49 and then in her next nine, she had a 38. Just fun to see her not give up."
Playing as individuals, freshman Lauren Sass of Birmingham, Michigan (Birmingham Marian) shot an 85; sophomore Abby Deroucher of Farmington, Michigan (Farmington North) had a 87; senior Lexi Miller of Bremen, Michigan (Bremen), 89; freshman Sarah Owens of Charlotte, Michigan (Charlotte), 97.
The Flying Dutch returns to dual match action against Albion again on Saturday, Sept. 4, this time at the Briton's home course of Tomac Woods Golf Course. Tee off is 2 p.m.
"I really like starting off our season this way with a home-and-home schedule with Albion," Stafford said. "It gives me a chance to get more women a chance to play and really see early how our entire team competes."
