MOOSIC, Pa. — The Catholic University women's golf team earned the second championship in the program's history on Monday when it defeated Drew by 14 strokes at Glenmaura National Golf Club.
Ed Dolan's team made good on a nine-stroke lead after day one to hoist the trophy. Two Cardinals finished in the top five individually including impressive freshman Brooke Smith, who was named Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year.
Smith shot 160 (+18) for the tournament and an impressive 77 (+6) on the day to secure a share of fourth place with teammate Lauren Lombardo. Smith carded three birdies during her final round and played the front nine at even par. Her 77 was the second-lowest day two round of any player in the field while Lombardo inverted Smith's totals, shooting 77 on Sunday and 83 on Monday.
Catholic's depth won it the tournament the team was able to overcome three Drew players finishing in second, third and sixth place individually. Lauren Wright (9th, 168, +26), Avery Mrak (11th, 173, +31) and Tyler Zierski (15th, 194, +52) all finished within the top-15 to secure the championship. Mrak and Zierski bettered Drew's bottom two finishers by a staggering 46 strokes.
Catholic combined for a second-round 326 to finish at 661 (+93) for the tournament. Goucher claimed third place behind Drew as Scranton and Susquehanna finished out the team standings. The Cardinals led by 23 strokes at one point in the second round.
After shooting a Scranton program-record round of 71 (E) yesterday, Madalyne Buhler held on to claim the individual title. She outlasted Drew's Kyla Diaz and Lombardo who were both in with a shout of the low medal down the stretch.
Head coach Dolan and assistant coach Mary Colella were named Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year after the Cardinals' effort while four Catholic athletes earned all-conference accolades. Smith and Lombardo were named to the first team while Wright and Mrak earned their ways onto the second team.
The marks the second championship in the last five years since the Cardinal women's golf program began with both coming under Dolan's leadership.
With the victory, Catholic qualifies automatically for the 2022-23 NCAA DIII National Championship tournament. The event will take place on May 9-12 at the Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. More information will become available regarding the national championship tournament in the coming days.
