The Ashland University women’s golf team has had a successful start to the season and looks forward to continuing it throughout the season. 

The team ended the fall season with a great run in several tournaments and getting lots of preparation, and Coach Bill Pollock was very impressed with how they did against several schools in these tournaments. 

“We had a very successful fall season winning our own invitational and finishing second by one stroke in a large field at the Ohio Dominican tournament. We also beat some Division 1 teams at the Youngstown State Invitational and were second for all Division 2 teams,” said Pollock. “The Findlay Invitational was loaded with the top 25 teams and we struggled some in that tournament. Overall I was pleased as all players got to play in at least two tournaments with our Purple team competing at Ashland and Wooster.” 

Using these victories, the team has been practicing and preparing for every tournament for this spring season. Mailiis Simovart, a junior on the team, believes these practices are going to help them in the long run.

“Everyone is working really hard for our packed spring season. We have focused on our short game, putting and chipping at every practice,” said Simovart. “We practice a lot of short putts, working on putting strokes and repetitions to gain muscle memory. Some of our putting drills include one-handed putts and putting with our eyes closed.”

Emma Conway, a sophomore on the team, agreed with how well the practices have been going.

“Practices have been going great so far. Our coaches have great practice schedules and at every practice, we practice with a purpose. We all focus on our team and individual goals at practice and work towards them every day,” Conway said. “Every day and every round, good or bad, has something to teach me.”

With all of the time preparing and practicing, the girls have had a great first tournament at the Jack Brown Memorial Tournament.

“We struck the ball very well but struggled with the wind, putting, and nerves to start the tournament,” said Pollock We did recover on the second day and had nice performances from all the players with a great round of 77 from Grace Grant. We finished 9th and there were 7 teams that were ranked in the top 50 and we were the only northern school participating.” 

After competing at the Jack Brown Memorial Tournament, Pollock looks ahead to prepare for the next match this season.

“I think we learned that we have to get outside to practice when the weather allows in Ohio. We will continue to work on the fundamentals, short game, and mental game as we prepare to play our toughest competition of the year,” said Pollock. “This is just one more step and process as we try to have the team peaking by April to challenge for an upper-tier placing at the GMAC Championships.”

The next match for the team is the Lady Moc Golf Classic in Lakeland, FL. on Feb. 20 and 21.