VALPARAISO, Ind. - The Saint Joseph’s College women’s golf team made history on Tuesday at the Valparaiso Invitational. Contested at The Course at Aberdean, the SJC golf team became the first ever to participate in a NCAA Division I Tournament.

 

Butler University took the top honors by posting two impressive rounds of 312 and 300. Loyola University finished second overall with a two day total of 628. The Pumas improved each day by posting rounds of 408 and 388 to finish 13th.

 

The Bulldogs’ Michele Nash won medalist honors with a one over par, two-day total of 145. Nash was four shots better than teammate Jenna Peter who opened with a round of 79 before closing on Tuesday with a two under par round of 70.  

 

The Pumas were paced by Sarah Dienes (Fr., Portage, Ind./Portage) who finished 66th overall with a two day total of 178. Dienes opened with a 96, but closed with a solid round of 82 on Tuesday. Andrea VanMeter (Jr., Rensselaer, Ind./Rensselaer Central) finished with 87 on the second day of competition and placed 68th with a two-day total of 188.

 

Bethany Hainje (Fr., Dayton, Ind./McCutcheon) posted a two-round total of 206 while Taylor Richlik (Fr., Lowell, Ind./Lowell) finished with 226. Brittaney Evans (Fr., Lafayette, Ind./Jefferson) carded a two-day total of 228.

 

“I am proud of this group,” said head coach Ken Badylak. “This was an extremely long golf course this week with all the rain we got Sunday night and Monday morning. I know the ladies were frustrated with their ability to make good contact and not see a relatable result. We have gotten better with each round we have played and I know if we continue to work hard on our games, that trend will continue.”

 

The Pumas will travel to Springfield, Illinois on October 2nd and 3rd to compete in the Prairie Star Shootout. Competition at Piper Glenn Golf Course is scheduled will start at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and run throughout the afternoon.