Sarah Owens Receives MIAA Sportsmanship Award; Women's Golf Places Fifth at MIAA Spring Finale

Hope College golfer Sarah Owens carries the respect and appreciation of her peers.

The senior from Charlotte, Michigan (Charlotte HS) was announced this season's recipient of the MIAA Sportsmanship Award on Tuesday after the final round of the MIAA Spring Finale in Battle Creek.

The Flying Dutch finished fifth at the 36-hole, two-day event at Binder Park Golf Course.

Owens is Hope's third recipient since the award's debut in 2012, joining Abby Meder (2021 spring) and Charlotte Park (2012 fall). MIAA coaches vote on the honor.

Head coach Megan Radaz said MIAA competitors enjoy golfing with Owens, even though she is focused and driven on the course.

"The way she plays poised and gritty is incredible. It's fun to be around her," Radaz said. "It's a special honor. They know here. She just uplifts everyone and really inspires those around here. It's cool to see how she has grown and developed as a golfer and a leader over these last four years."

Hope finished at 109-over-par for the nine-team tournament, shooting 339 on Tuesday after an opening-round 346 on Monday.

Trine University (319-321) placed first, 27 strokes ahead of runner-up Saint Mary's College (340-327) and 28 ahead of third-place Adrian College (341-327). Calvin University (354-325) took fourth.

Saint Mary's held off Trine's charge to win the MIAA's 108-hole season, which began in the fall, by eight strokes.

Sophomore Allyson Zuidema (Northville, Michigan / Northville) tied for ninth in the individual standings, finishing 20-over on the 5,939-yard course after a final-round 83.

Owens carded the Flying Dutch's low round on Tuesday, an 82 that elevated her to 14th place overall at 26-over.

Sophomore Rachael Jones (Grove City, Ohio / Grove City) posted an 86 for the second consecutive day and tied for 15th place at 28-over.

Sophomore Jaiden Winters (New Carlisle, Indiana / New Carlisle) shot a final-round 88, her best round of the tournament.

The Flying Dutch also received final rounds of 89 from junior Caydee Constant (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven) and 96 from senior Jordan Winters (New Carlisle, Indiana / New Carlisle).

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Players Mentioned

Caydee Constant: Junior; Elementary Education: PreK-3

Rachael Jones: Sophomore; Mechanical Engineering

Sarah Owens: Senior; Communication

Jaiden Winters: Sophomore; Nursing

Jordan Winters: Senior; Biology

Allyson Zuidema: Sophomore; Accounting and English double

Players Mentioned

Caydee Constant
: Junior; Elementary Education: PreK-3

Rachael Jones
: Sophomore; Mechanical Engineering

Sarah Owens
: Senior; Communication

Jaiden Winters
: Sophomore; Nursing

Jordan Winters
: Senior; Biology

Allyson Zuidema
: Sophomore; Accounting and English double