Women's golf places second at season-opener

“We had our two best team scores-318 and 319-in the history of the program, so I was very excited for the team and our program,” said Coach Kay Cowperthwait.

“The tournament was a huge success and a lot of personal bests were accomplished,” said junior captain Meg Sullivan.

The team performed exceptionally well, tying for first with Div. I competition Columbia University on the first day and finishing only five strokes behind Columbia the second.

“For us to be tied after the first day and remain tied through our first three golfers on the second day was phenomenal,” said Cowperthwait.

Two Jeffs placed in the top five individually. Senior Kathryn Kuchefski shot 73 on the first day, tying her collegiate best. The second day she followed up her performance by shooting 77 for a tournament total of 150 and third place individual finish.

First-year Sarah Harper had a breakout tournament. On the first day she shot a collegiate best of 79, which she only improved on the following day with a 73. Harper’s combined score of 152 was good for a fourth-place individual finish.

Sullivan was the third Jeff to break 80, the first time she had accomplished such a feat in her collegiate career. She shot a 78 on day one and followed it up with an 84.

Junior Sarah Godwin, who shot 88-85-173, finished in fourth place for the team. Melissa Sidman ’06 rounded out the team with a score of 91-92-183. First-year Lauren White, although not in a scoring position for the team, played well. “Lauren lowered her first day score by seven strokes on the second day,” said classmate Harper.

The first day of the tournament was only Amherst’s second time outside this spring, which made the team’s play even more impressive. “We were happy about how well we competed with the Arizona teams who have the opportunity to play year round.” said Sullivan. “I’m positive about the rest of the season because of our good showing in the tournament.”

In looking forward to the rest of the season, Harper is looking up to the golfers with more collegiate experience. “I think the whole team is looking to Kathryn [Kuchefski] and the two juniors to bring in some good scores this year,” said Harper.

Overall, Cowperthwait was thrilled about the season’s start. “All of the scores were outstanding efforts.”

Amherst will compete next on April 3-4 at the Boston College Invitational.