Van Tasell, Hill lead Central to women’s golf title

Central College

CEDAR FALLS–A pair of seniors led the Central College women’s golf team to its first title in more than two years, topping a predominately Iowa Conference field.

Senior Kelsey Van Tasell (Pella) fired a career-best 76 Saturday on the par-72 Pheasant Ridge Golf Club and rallied to top the nine-team field with a two-day score of 79-76—155. Her previous best, 77, was also shot at Pheasant Ridge in September, 2012. Taylor Hill (senior, Treynor) cut three strokes off her first-round score to place second with 80-77–157. Both played well despite playing through less than ideal health conditions

“(Kelsey) had a little bit of a foot injury when she came back (for preseason practice),” coach Tim Wilkinson said. “When we started practicing she was wearing a walking boot. So for her to play this well early on is fantastic.

“Taylor really battled through her own personal illness to put together a really good round today.”

The Dutch shot 322-318—640. Complete team results were not yet available.

Central’s first-day leader, Chelsey Shuey (junior, Ames) shot 78-85—163 Junior Rachel Cassens (Stockton, Ill.) improved upon Friday’s 85 and contributed a career-best 80 conclude at 165. Christine Ausman (freshman, Nevada) shot 85-88-173

Central’s early success at Pheasant Ridge has Wilkinson excited the first 36 holes of the 72-hole Iowa Conference tournament will be played there Sept. 26-27.

“For us to have this kind of success over two days, should give us a lot of confidence when we come back for the first round of conference,” he said. “It should put us in a situation where can really compete.”

The Dutch return to action next Saturday at the 36-hole Wartburg Fall Invitational at the Centennial Oaks Golf Course in Waverly.