Central women’s golf team in top half of loaded field in Waverly
Central College
CEDAR FALLS—Despite missing one of its two senior leaders, the Central College women’s golf team is in the first tier of a loaded Wartburg Invitational after Saturday’s first round.
The Dutch stand seventh in the 17-team field.
Senior Kelsey Van Tasell (Pella), coming off of her first career individual championship last weekend, led the Dutch with an 81 on the par-72 Centennial Oaks Golf Club. She is tied for 21st in the 92-golfer field.
“Coming up to the 18th hole, Kelsey had a chance to shoot a 79 but missed a couple of putts,” coach Tim Wilkinson said.
Chelsey Shuey (junior, Ames) also shot very well for most of the day, but finished with an 83 after three double bogeys. Freshman Christine Ausman (Nevada, Iowa/Nevada) improved in her second collegiate meet by matching Shuey’s 83. Rachel Cassens (junior, Stockton, Ill.)contributed an 88 to close out the team score at 335.
Freshman Valorie Taylor (Hartley, Harley-Melvin-Sanborn) carded a 98 in her first opportunity as a varsity golfer. Taylor was competing in place of 2014 all- Iowa Conference performerTaylor Hill (senior, Treynor), who is sidelined by illness.
Wilkinson is optimistic for an even better second round tomorrow.
“For most of them, this was the first time they’d played this course,” he said. “It’s a little different. I think they’re eager to play better tomorrow. They’ll feel a little more comfortable.”
Carleton College (Minn.) shot 304 and leads St. Thomas (Minn.) by five shots. Erin Dingmann of St. Thomas leads the medalist standings with an even-par 72.
