Men’s and Women’s Golf Prepare for PAC Championships
With the fall season coming to an end, the Waynesburg University golf teams are building confidence heading into the PAC Championships, according to head coach Sam Jones.
The Jackets have not had the season they would have liked, but each member of the team has improved from match to match, Jones said.
With last year’s top performer, freshman Abbey Richards, gone, who was a leader with experience, the Jackets have an open void to fill.
Last Friday, Sept. 23, the Jackets traveled to Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, for the Mount Aloysius College Invitational. The Jackets finished last in the three-team invitational, while Saint Vincent won the event.
Freshman Marisa Goodright was the top performer for the Jackets finishing with 116 strokes. Junior Cassie Hudson finished third for the Jackets with 160 strokes, and Savanna Bell with 205 strokes.
“The new golfers had a good day; for some of them, it was their first tournament,” Jones said.
The men’s team traveled to the Westminster Fall invitational where R.J. Leisie and Justin Smith competed for the Jackets.
Saint Vincent won the event with a four-man score of 313 strokes. Senior Justin Smith finished the day with 116 strokes.
Smith said his confidence has grown throughout the season, which has led to his scores dropping.
Smith’s preparation is what has given him his edge in each match.
“I’ve researched the courses and planned which clubs I’m going to use to hit well,” said Smith.
Additionally, Smith also said the simulator on campus has been a tool that has helped him improve his game.
Both Smith and Leisie had their best scores of the season, and Jones said it was their best performance of the season.
“I’m proud of both guys,” Jones said. “They shot their best scores all season at Westminster.”
With the constant improvement across the board for the Jackets, there is confidence going into the PAC Championships. Smith said he is hopeful about the tournament.
“I’m optimistic about our chances,” Smith said. “Our guys just have to trust their ability.”
The Jackets will travel to the Avalon Lakes Golf Club in Warren, Ohio, for the PAC Championship on Oct. 3-4.