Grizzlies grab HCAC title

PRINT THIS COMMENTS (0) SEND TO A FRIEND RELATED STORIES

By Jake Meiners, October 16, 2009

It is the Grizzlies’ first title since 2007 and their 11th overall.

 

The Grizzlies led the Pioneers by 11 strokes after the first day of play. The conference title win automatically qualifies Franklin for the NCAA Division III women’s golf national championships, which will be played May 11-14, 2010 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.

 

Franklin garnered four of the eight top spots, each earning All-HCAC honors. Senior Natalie Daugherty and sophomore Brittany Stephens led the Grizzlies, tying for third with a score of 164. Senior Grace Adams and junior Samantha Marshall tied for seventh, at 174.

“It was awesome to win the championship,” Daugherty said. “This is my 2nd time winning the conference in the three I have played in my career.

 

“I knew we could do it. Our team is solid and I never had a doubt in my mind. I will never forget that feeling waiting for our last player came in, because at that point it was up to her for the win.”

 

Sophomore Brittany Brownrigg finished 11th with a score of 179.

 

Head coach Roger Lundy said each golfer contributed to the win.

 

“Contributions from the players don't always come on the golf course, but also in class, in the dorms, at practice, in the training room and in the dining hall. This is a pretty close knit group of players who support each other all day, every day,” he said. “I think that is why we won this championship. I'm honored to be their coach.”

 

Lundy, in his third year, earned HCAC Coach of the Year for the third time.

Transylvania sophomore Megan Foley earned medalist honors and HCAC Most Valuable Player after shooting a 155 for the second-place team.

 

Hanover’s Rebecca Roberts – who finished 14th with a 184 – earned the title of HCAC Freshman of the Year.

 

He said much of the team’s preparation for nationals in the spring will be on an individual basis.

 

“We're 207 days away from the championship, that's just enough time for us to prepare for the greatest experience a college athlete can have,” Lundy said. “Most of the preparation will be done on their own.  That takes a tremendous amount of discipline, patients, and perseverance. These traits are what define this team and the young ladies that will be representing Franklin College at the NCAA Championship.”