OMAHA, Neb. – Behind the sixth career tournament victory for junior Amy Ahlers, the Concordia University women’s golf team claimed first place at Friday’s College of Saint Mary Spring Invitational at Miracle Hill in Omaha, Neb. The Bulldogs shot a 350 to hold off second-place Mount Mary (352), the current GPAC leader. It’s the first tournament title for fifth-year head coach Brett Muller.
After placing second three times already this season, including this week’s runner-up finish at the Midland Spring Invitational, the Bulldogs rose to the top spot while battling the gusty conditions that met the 82 golfers in Friday’s event.
“The wind gradually picked up as the day went on, but we did a pretty good job of being mentally tough,” Muller said. “We got the most out of our rounds today. Right now Mount Marty is first in the conference. To beat them on a neutral course will definitely give us some confidence going into GPAC No. 3.”
Ahlers put together the type of performance that’s come to be expected of the two-time all-conference performer. Her seven-over-par 79 was two strokes better than runner up Kellie Winckler of Mount Marty. Ahlers, who hails from Albion, Neb., now has five top-five finishes out of seven events this season.
“Amy had a great performance,” Muller said. “She got off to a red-hot start by making two birdies in her first five holes. That put her in good position and the team in good position.”
Sophomore Ashlen Pospisil just missed on a top-10 placement with her 89 (11th place). The native of Norfolk, Neb., has taken a liking to Miracle Hill. Back on Sept. 8 she carded a career low 88 at the same course. Friday’s round helped lower her season average to 93.8.
Tying for third on the team were sophomore Brenna Gnuse and junior Kayla Krueger. Both turned in a 91, putting them 17th on the individual leaderboard. Freshman Madison Pitsch carded a 137.
The Bulldogs now look forward to hosting GPAC Qualifier No. 3 on Wednesday (April 13) at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln. It will mark the first time the Concordia golf program has ever hosted a GPAC event. With a two-round total of 354-348–702, Concordia sits in fifth place, 24 strokes in back of Mount Marty for first place. Individually, Ahlers sits in sixth (84-82–166).