Lady Paladin Golf Team ready to meet expectations
By: Wayne House
Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: Sports
The Furman women's golf team is ready-ready for the next level.
The smallest yet most storied varsity team on Furman's campus, the women's golf team will once again face the giants of the college golf world this spring as the ladies attempt to defend their 2008 Southern Conference title.
"We play one of the hardest schedules in the country, so we are always going up against the top teams," said Head Coach Jen Hanna.
That tough schedule begins with the Pinehurst Challenge on March 2. From there the lady Paladins will tour the Southeastern Conference, one of college golf's powerhouse conferences, playing in tournaments hosted by Louisiana State University and the University of Florida. The Lady Paladins will then travel to Hendersonville, N.C. for the SoCon Championships, with strong play earning an invitation to the NCAA Women's National Championship tournament.
As expected, the journey will not be easy. On the heels of 2008's standout spring season, the Lady Paladins struggled in the fall of 2008, having trouble "sealing the deal" at any tournament.
"We weren't quite able to put four good scores together at any event," said Hanna. "So I am hoping to see the team gel a bit more and post good numbers together."
Hanna needs her team to be together. When asked to whom she looked for leadership this year her answer was simple. "All of them. They all play an important role on the team, and we will need all of them to step up their play in order to have a successful spring."
Thus all will get mentioned. Expected to make a large contribution to the spring season will be the trio of Blair Lamb, Stefanie Kenoyer and Jackie Hilea, who all possess a fall season stroke average of 75. Freshmen Liz Wendt and Brie Heinzler along with junior Ashley Baker, will also compete for tournament tee times.
Between the ropes the Lady Paladins will work to minimize mistakes. The team has focused on its short game with the knowledge that, while bad shots will occasionally happen, cleaner short games turn big mistakes into manageable blemishes.
While the Lady Paladins are probably the favorites to again clinch the SoCon Championship, Coach Hanna is not counting any birdies before they hatch.
"Golf is too unpredictable," said Hanna. "We will focus on our preparation and take it to the tournament and do the best we can with what we have. Then we'll come home, work on the things that need to improve and head back out to the next event."
The smallest yet most storied varsity team on Furman's campus, the women's golf team will once again face the giants of the college golf world this spring as the ladies attempt to defend their 2008 Southern Conference title.
"We play one of the hardest schedules in the country, so we are always going up against the top teams," said Head Coach Jen Hanna.
That tough schedule begins with the Pinehurst Challenge on March 2. From there the lady Paladins will tour the Southeastern Conference, one of college golf's powerhouse conferences, playing in tournaments hosted by Louisiana State University and the University of Florida. The Lady Paladins will then travel to Hendersonville, N.C. for the SoCon Championships, with strong play earning an invitation to the NCAA Women's National Championship tournament.
As expected, the journey will not be easy. On the heels of 2008's standout spring season, the Lady Paladins struggled in the fall of 2008, having trouble "sealing the deal" at any tournament.
"We weren't quite able to put four good scores together at any event," said Hanna. "So I am hoping to see the team gel a bit more and post good numbers together."
Hanna needs her team to be together. When asked to whom she looked for leadership this year her answer was simple. "All of them. They all play an important role on the team, and we will need all of them to step up their play in order to have a successful spring."
Thus all will get mentioned. Expected to make a large contribution to the spring season will be the trio of Blair Lamb, Stefanie Kenoyer and Jackie Hilea, who all possess a fall season stroke average of 75. Freshmen Liz Wendt and Brie Heinzler along with junior Ashley Baker, will also compete for tournament tee times.
Between the ropes the Lady Paladins will work to minimize mistakes. The team has focused on its short game with the knowledge that, while bad shots will occasionally happen, cleaner short games turn big mistakes into manageable blemishes.
While the Lady Paladins are probably the favorites to again clinch the SoCon Championship, Coach Hanna is not counting any birdies before they hatch.
"Golf is too unpredictable," said Hanna. "We will focus on our preparation and take it to the tournament and do the best we can with what we have. Then we'll come home, work on the things that need to improve and head back out to the next event."