Unfortunately, the team was not able to field a four-person squad, meaning that the Jeffs' results would only count towards their individual scores and not a team score. "Since we can't compete as a team, each of us are trying to reach individual goals while supporting one another," explained senior co-captain Melissa Sidman.
Also, due to the loss of junior co-captain Sarah Harper to a study abroad semester, the Jeffs entered their first competitive match without their leading scorer and one of their team leaders. However, the youthful exuberance of the team's sophomores and the leadership of their lone senior co-captain proved to incite passion and consistency from the squad.
This weekend, the team was led by two sophomores who promise to be major contributors on the team for future seasons: Colleyville, Texas-native Kristin Beneski and Ali Berman, who hails from the "Rats Mouth" of Florida. Beneski led the way for the three-person team firing nine-hole rounds of 47 and 53, which was good for a score of an even 100 while placing in a tie for 50th. Berman struggled early during her first nine holes but demonstrated her resilience and shot-making ability by responding to her opening nine-hole score of 55 by firing a very respectable score of 48. Her 103 18-hole score was good enough to place her 55th overall and second on the Jeff squad.
Sidman rounded out the Jeff scoring, firing a consistent 53-53 en route to a 106. Her 61st-place showing is quite illustrative of the Jeffs' ability to fire scores that are consistent and solid. Sidman will be looked to for leadership in the next few weeks as the squad will wrap up its short, but sweet, spring slate. Given that this is the second tournament of the spring and the team is without a fourth member, the team produced under trying and difficult circumstances.
"I was generally happy with the way I played on Friday, except for my weak putting," said Sidman. "Ali turned in a solid round as well. We all struggled on Saturday with the poor weather conditions."
As the Jeffs gear up for the final three tournaments of their season, they can certainly walk away from this tournament with confidence as they approach Taconic Golf Course in Williamstown, Mass. Unlike AGC, many within the golfing community have reported that Taconic is, in fact, an easier course to score well on, despite the fact that it receives a more difficult rating and slope. This is due to the quality of the greens and fairways, which allow players to read putts and shots more easily.
Next week, the Jeffs head to Taconic for the Williams Shoot Out, which is hosted by the Ephs on Saturday, April 29-30. Look for the Jeff individuals to improve on their play from this week and roar back in front of a rival audience at Williams as this will be the first tournament of three to be held in Williamstown in the upcoming weeks. The Jeffs also look forward to next year as they hope to recruit new golfers and compete as a team again.
"We have a few recruits who are definitely coming to Amherst next year, so they'll help to rebuild our team," said Beneski. "As for other prospective golfers, you never know. I walked on to the team myself, so I know there's always the chance that someone unexpected will join us in the fall, which would be great."