On Friday, the women traveled to The Orchards in Northampton for the Massachusetts State Championships, where they finished third. Eight teams braved the gusts of wind that tormented the players throughout the day.
"It was tough because of the weather," said Meg Sullivan '05. "Plus, the course was set up for NCAAs, which they are hosting this year, so a lot of the tees were moved pretty far back."
Both Sullivan and Kathryn Kuchefski '04 turned in low scores at the end of the day. "Kuchefski shot an impressive 84 considering the course conditions and a pinched nerve in her back that has been affecting her left arm and swing," said Katie Gravel '03.
But the course proved challenging for the others. "The Orchards is a great course, but it's tricky," said Jeannie Limpert '03. "The fairways are tight and the pin placements were along hills and ridges. The scores were decent, but I don't really think they reflect how good our team is. We have a deep team with solid young players and we all have a lot of potential to improve."
Over the weekend, the ladies defended their home turf at Hickory Ridge. Despite a number of mid-season aches and pains, the ladies took advantage of the home course.
"Emily Foran ['05] played very well, but Kathryn was hurting due to a sore back," said Gravel. "My neck and arm were still bothering me." Despite the injuries, all the women played well. Kuchefski and Foran shot 83 and 84, respectively. The ladies entered the final round only one stroke behind Division I Dartmouth College.
But, unfortunately, as a result of weather conditions, Sunday's play was cancelled and scores were based solely on Saturday's play. "Sunday was a messy and frustrating day," said Gravel. "It was pouring, gross and cold, but we went out anyway. All five of us were playing quite well, but the tournament was called. We were upset. It was looking like the best team round we've had and we couldn't finish it."
Sunday's improved team play was encouraging for the women as they look to qualify for the Division III Championships.
The men's golf team returned to Williams College's Taconic golf course for the second weekend in a row. The men, too, battled wet and windy conditions to finish in sixth place. Sunday's round was called due to the weather.
Mike Blaisdell '02, Jude Volek '03, Mike Valentine '05, Justin Sharaf '05 and Steve Collins '03 all shot in the low-to-mid 80s.
Next week, the men again return to Williamstown for Little IIIs. They will compete in a Ryder Cup-type format, playing alternate shots in the morning and singles matches in the afternoon.