Dutch women get the worm at Early Bird golf Classic

Central Dutch Athletics

MARION — The reigning Iowa Conference champion Central College women’s golf team triumphed over the six-team field at the Mount Mercy Early Bird Classic to secure a team title in its first outing of the fall.

Leading the way for Central at the par-72 Hunter’s Ridge Golf Course in Marion was junior Brittany Coppess (Clinton), who shot an 81 and finished in second place.

“She didn’t really get off to a great start on the first nine,” coach Tim Wilkinson said. “She really settled in and finished with three birdies and an eagle. It’s a good sign that she shot lower today than she has been in practice despite maybe not having her best stuff.”

The other three scoring players for the Dutch all broke into the top-10. Cierra Pulse (senior, Stronghurst, Ill./West Central HS) tied for fourth with an 84 and Emily Opsal (sophomore, Verona, Wis./Verona Area) had an 85 and tied for seventh. An 88 from Alison Kretzinger (senior, Johnston) placed her in a tie for 10th. Sophomore Lexie Patton (Aurelia, Alta-Aurelia HS) carded a 99 and ended in a tie for 24th.

“Regardless of how early we come in the fall and how many practice rounds we play, there’s always going to be nerves at the first tournament,” Wilkinson said. “Everybody settled in, but I think the nerves were a factor today.

“It’s a challenging course. Every hole either has water or at least a handful of bunkers. There’s a stretch on the back where if you get tripped up it can really ruin your round. It’s a good first test for us to gauge where we are at and how we are playing.”

Central is headed to Cedar Falls and Pheasant Ridge Golf Course for the Sail Classic hosted by Luther College on September 2 and 3.