The Hope College women's golf team saved its best for last, turning a sixth-place starting point into a top-three finish at the MIAA Spring Finale on Saturday at the Legacy Golf Course in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.
The Flying Dutch surged up the leaderboard, posting a second-round score of 314 for a 632 two-day total that secured third place in the nine-team field. Only Saint Mary's (606) and Trine (628) finished ahead, with Saint Mary's claiming the league title.
"I am so proud of this team and the effort they had all season and this weekend," said head coach Megan Radaz.
"Top to bottom we played patient, hungry, and smart and were able to get it done on the last hole. To sit on that goal for four months and then be able to accomplish it is a huge feat and great momentum as return four of five starters next season."
The rise was powered by a tightly grouped top three on Day 2.
Junior Rachael Jones (Grove City, Ohio / Grove City HS) delivered a composed 76 to finish T15th, a round that cemented her place on the All-MIAA First Team.
Radaz contributes Jones' third place league finish to her consistency and talent.
Junior Jaiden Winters (New Carlisle, Indiana / New Prairie) followed with a sharp 77, good for 12th overall and a well-earned spot on the All-MIAA Second Team.
Junior Allyson Zuidema (Northville, Michigan / Northville) added a steady 78, joining Jones in T15th and giving Hope the trio it needed to make its late-season push.
Behind them, senior Sara Muir's (Ada, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) 83 (T36th) and junior Kylie Gernaat's (Kalamazoo, Michigan / Kalamazoo Christian) 86 (21st) rounded out the team scoring, while individual competitor senior Caydee Constant (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven) matched an 86 (T36th).
"It was great to have Sara and Caydee end their careers on a high note and see their leadership and hard work pay off not only for them but the rest of the team who have looked up to them for three years now."
