Van Tasell’s 72 sparks Central in league women’s golf tourney

Central College

Central College

CEDAR FALLS —Firing the third-best score in Iowa Conference women’s golf history, Central College’s Kelsey Van Tasell (senior, Pella) climbed into a tie for second place after 36 holes of the league tourney Saturday.

Van Tasell carded a career-best even-par 72 at the Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls, giving her a 79-72—151 at the tournament midpoint. Her previous best was a 76, also at Pheasant Ridge, Aug. 30.

The Dutch find themselves still in second place with 329-319—648, 37 shots behind defending champion Wartburg College. Luther is in a distant third place with 343-340–683.

Van Tassel’s score was only the second-best of the day, however. Wartburg’s Morgan McMillan shot a 1-under 71, tying the league tournament record set by Central’s Sarah Paulson in 2008. McMillan holds a one-shot lead in the medalist standings at 79-71—150. Van Tasell is tied with last year’s league champion, Rochelle Beardsley of Wartburg, who is at 74-77—151.

Three other Dutch golfers are in the top 10 on the leaderboard as well. Rachel Cassens (junior, Stockton, Ill.) is seventh at 83-82—165, with Chelsey Shuey (junior, Ames) tied for eighth at 85-81—166 along with Christine Ausman (freshman, Nevada) who shot 82-84—166. Cierra Pulse (freshman, Stronghurst, Ill., West Central HS) stands at 88-91—169.

Saturday’s 319 was the best round the Dutch have had in Iowa Conference tourney action under the tutelage of coach Tim Wilkinson. The previous best was 320 on September 30, 2011, also at Pheasant Ridge.

Van Tasell’s short game paved the way.

“When she found herself in a tough spot she was able to get it up and down and make some clutch putts,” Wilkinson said. “When you put together a number like that you’ve got to be able to have some of those holes. When you don’t hit the ball exactly where you want it to go but you’re able to scramble to save par, you can keep the momentum going.”

The action now shifts to Dubuque and the par-70 Dubuque Golf and Country Club for the final two rounds of the 72-hole league tournament next Friday and Saturday. The Dutch may seem firmly entrenched in second place, but this team is not focused on that, Wilkinson said.

“We’re going to go out and just try to play the best that we can and not get too caught up in where we stand and what the number is,” he said.” I think our goal has always been to be as competitive as we can be. We don’t want to settle for maintaining a lead in second. I think the players would agree that we’re still in chase mode, and we’re going to focus on that.”

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