Dutch women’s golf team tees off as the sun comes up

Central College

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.—The Central College women’s golf team teed off as the sun came up on Riverwalk Golf Course in San Diego, but course familiarity paid off as the Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions won the dual.

“The weather was fantastic and the course was in great shape,” coach Tim Wilkinson said. “We couldn’t have asked for better conditions.”

Junior Taylor Hill (Treynor) fired an 88 to lead the Dutch. Sophomores Rachel Cassens (Stockton, Ill.) and Chelsey Shuey (Ames) were second and third on the team with 95 and 97, respectively. Classmate Jill Huffman (Bloomington, Ill., Normal HS) closed out the varsity scoring with 100. Freshman Ali Kallsen (Hinton) tallied 105.

“We’ve played OK since arriving in San Diego, but it’s different in a competition setting,” said Wilkinson. “For us it’s about getting tournament ready and playing in pressure-filled situations.”

And while the dual score was not in Central’s favor, the purpose of the trip goes beyond a single scorecard.

“It’s a great experience for our athletes,” Wilkinson said. “Courses will be open when we return home. It’s important to leave here feeling like we’ve taken advantage of this opportunity. I believe we did.”

The Dutch return to the links March 28-29 for the Graceland Invitational on Mozingo Lake Golf Course at Maryville, Mo.