Women's Golf Six Strokes Off the Lead at MIAA's NCAA Championships Qualifier

Sophomore Caydee Constant, pictured

The Hope College women's golf team made the most of a beautiful spring day on the course.

Led by senior Rita Cheney and junior Abby Fansler, the Flying Dutch fired a 318 during the opening round of the MIAA's NCAA Division III Championships qualifier and are just six strokes off the lead.

Host Saint Mary's College carded a 312 at Elbel Park Golf Course in South Bend, Indiana, for a one-stroke lead over second-place Adrian College. Alma College is in fourth place after a 346.

The 54-hole, three-round event continues on Friday-Saturday, April 14-15, hosted by regular-season champion Adrian at Tecumseh Club Golf Club in Tecumseh. The lowest cumulative score receives the MIAA's automatic bid to next month's NCAA Championships.

"Any time you come in under 320, you're happy no matter where you place," head coach Greg Stafford said. "We played a great round today. That's all we care about."

The 318 is the second-lowest round of the 2022-23 season for the Flying Dutch and their best since a 316 during a September dual match against Albion College.

Cheney and Fansler shot the second- and third-lowest rounds of the day.

Cheney (Mason, Michigan / Mason HS) posted a 3-over-par 75 — one stroke behind the leader, Katelyn Tokarz of Saint Mary's.

Fansler (Muskegon, Michigan / Reeths-Puffer) recorded a 76.

"Rita and Abby played fabulous from the start," Stafford said. "Our younger golfer played much better today, too. It's a beautiful day to golf. It was a fun day to be involved with."

Hope's final three golfers also finished within three strokes of each other.

Sophomore Sarah Owens (Charlotte, Michigan / Charlotte) chipped in an 83.

Freshman Caydee Constant (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven) carded an 84.

Freshman Sara Muir (Ada, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) shot an 85.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Rita Cheney: Senior

Abby Fansler: Junior; Engineering

Sarah Owens: Sophomore

Sara Muir: Freshman

Caydee Constant: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Rita Cheney
: Senior

Abby Fansler
: Junior; Engineering

Sarah Owens
: Sophomore

Sara Muir
: Freshman

Caydee Constant
: Freshman