For the past 10 years, only two teams have been crowned the GLIAC Champion. On April 9, athletes from those two teams met for a GLIAC standoff.
The Bulldogs tested their abilities against reigning GLIAC champion Grand Valley State in a dual match.
The two swung it out for an entire day looking to triumph over the other. In the end Grand Valley State would claim a -4 victory over the Bulldogs as a team. Ferris lost 321 to the Lakers’ 317.
“Even though it was a tough loss, the ladies handled themselves well and are using it as fuel to continue to get better every day this spring,” said Ferris head coach Mike Mignano. “I am proud of this team, they have really come together and they are closer now than any women’s team I have ever coached at FSU.”
Individually, junior Erin Fuchik led the Bulldogs with a 79, while both junior Breezy Bernth and freshman Jacqueline DeBoer had an 80.
“Breezy’s performance stood out to me the most and it speaks volumes about the depth of this team,” said Mignano. “They are all competitive and working to better themselves.”
The Bulldogs also competed in the Detroit Titans Invitational at Redford, Mich. with Detroit Mercy, Rochester College, Madonna, Oakland University, and Dayton University on April 11-12. Through the first two rounds, the Bulldogs were in third-place with a score of 673. DeBoer was leading the Bulldogs with a third place +19 tally. Due to production deadlines, the final results could not be printed. For the final results, check fsutorch.com.
“This is a good test for us on a great golf course. The 36-18 hole format allows us to prepare for the GLIAC Championship in less than two weeks,” said Mignano.
The Bulldogs will next go to the Northwood Invitational on April 16-17 to compete against mostly GLIAC schools. The event has been shortened from a 36 to an 18 hole event. Mignano said this should benefit the team by giving the ladies another day of practice before the event and the GLIAC Championship.
“Not only do we have a very competitive region, we also have a tough conference,” said Mignano. “I believe that if we continue to work hard and focus on getting better every day leading up to Regionals, we will be right in the mix.”
As the season comes close to an end, the impending GLIAC and National Championship’s are at the forefront of the team’s collective mind.
“The ladies have made it a goal to make it to Nationals this year,” said Mignano. “As a coach, I am proud of the team we are today and how much progress we have made since the fall season.” n