GRANGER, Ind. - The Saint Mary's golf team shot a season-best 313 and took first place at the first MIAA Jamboree of the season, which the Belles hosted at Knollwood Country Club.

 

Saint Mary's finished seven strokes ahead of second place Adrian (320) and ten strokes ahead of Hope (323) in the opening conference round of the year. Alma's Morgan Yates earned medalist honors with a two-over par 74 for the Scots.

 

Erin Bennett paced Saint Mary's with a career-low round of 76 on Wednesday to tie for second place overall individually. The senior had a birdie on par five No. 13 and finished her round with a birdie on par four No. 18 while also posting a team-best eleven pars. Fellow senior co-captain Katherine Hopkins was a stroke back with a career-low 77 and took a share of fourth place. Hopkins was one-over on the front nine after sinking birdies on par three No. 2 and par four No. 4. She added a birdie on par five No. 13 to share round-best honors with three birdies. Katelyn Tokarz turned in a 78 to tie for sixth place overall. She did not record a score above a bogey and had a birdie on par five No. 13 while tallying ten pars. 

 

Julia Lizak wrapped up the team score with an 82 and took a share of 16th place. Lizak had a birdie on par five No. 1 and added nine pars. Lizak was tied for sixth in par four scoring. Amanda Melling was the fifth golfer in the Belles lineup and shot an 84. The freshman had nine pars in the round and was tied for the eighth-best par four scoring effort on the day. 

 

Breana Harrington led all players competing as individuals at the event with an 81 to tie for 12th overall. Harrington carded eight pars, was tied for the second-best par three scoring average, and was even on par five holes in the round. Haley Angel shot an 84 as an individual and tied for 21st. The junior had a birdie and was even on par five holes. Ashley Brewster shot an 85 as an individual and placed 23rd overall. Brewster was one-under on par five holes and circled two birdies on her scorecard on Wednesday.

 

Joanna James posted an 86 and tied for 24th as an individual. James also circled two birdies and was even on par five holes. Nani Patacsil and Isa Patacsil turned in matching scores of 87 and tied for 27th as individuals. Georgie Kersman added a 90 and was 35th to round out the Saint Mary's efforts on the day. 

 

The Belles have a break from conference competition as they travel to the Illinois Wesleyan Fall Classic this weekend. Round one at Ironwood Golf Course in Normal, Illinois starts at 9:00 a.m. CDT on Saturday.