The Drake University women's golf team pulled ahead of Ball State in the final round of the Battle at Boulder Creek to win its second event of the 2019-20 season.
After entering the final round trailing Ball State by one stroke, the Bulldogs built up a commanding lead. Drake finished with an 18-stroke lead over the second-place Ball State.
"I'm very proud of the way the ladies handled the cold and windy conditions," said head coach
Rachael Pruett-Hornbaker. "They really adjusted after the first round and made smart course management decisions. That paid off today as we remained steady and pulled away from the field."
Haeri Lee led the Bulldogs with a 54-hole total of 229 (77-74-78) to earn medalist honors, which is her second career first-place finish. Lee led the field in scoring on par-4 holes (+9, 4.30) and was second in scoring on par-5 holes (-3, 4.75).
Aimee Gerschke and
Kristen Giles were close behind Lee, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.
"It's so great to see Haeri get another college win," said Pruett-Hornbaker. "She works hard on her golf game, and I'm especially proud of the improvements in her mental game this year. She's learned how to get out of her head after a bad hole and bounce back faster. [That] will pay dividends over time."
Sam Paulak posted a 77 to finish in 14th place, and freshman
Abby Marting rounded out Drake's competitors with a 92 to finish 23rd. Competing as an individual,
Reilly Krohe finished with a 54-hole total of 261 (84-85-92) to finish tied for 19th.
The win is the team's ninth all-time win and the third victory in the past seven matches. This also marks the first time in program history that the women's and men's teams have won an event in the same week.
"Overall I was impressed with where our ball striking was at this point in the season. I am looking forward to seeing how we can continue to improve. We will stick to the process and use each practice and round of golf as feedback to learn and get better."
The Bulldogs will return to action March 2-3 for the UTRGV Women's Invitational in McAllen, Texas.
1. Drake, 322-310-310 - 942
1.
Haeri Lee, 77-74-78 - 229
5.
Kristen Giles, 81-77-75 - 233
6.
Aimee Gerschke, 79-76-80 - 235
14.
Sam Paulak, 87-83-77 - 247
23.
Abby Marting, 85-86-92 - 263
Individuals
T-19.
Reilly Krohe, 84-85-92 - 261