Dalton State women start spring with win in Valdosta

Published 2:59 pm Wednesday, February 21, 2024

The Dalton State College women’s golf team had a sluggish start over the first nine holes of the Spring. Still, they rebounded in style to grab the victory in the Kinderlou Forest Spring Invite at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta on Monday and Tuesday.

No. 4 Dalton State shot 902 (+38) for a 19-shot victory over No. 6 Southeastern (921, +57) in second. No. 7 Truett McConnell (928, +64) was third, followed by Cumberland in fourth at 938 (+74). UT Southern (958, +94) rounded out the top five.

ROUND 1

The team had a slow start with a 310 (+22) team score as Mailey Buzzell led the Lady Birds with a 4-over 76. Hanna Bullard, Sara Burger, and Jia Kataria shot 78 (+6) for the four counting scores. Sydney Hermann posted 81 (+9) as the fifth score in the lineup, with Ella Cress also shooting 6-over 78 as the individual.

ROUND 2

Hermann made her mind up to improve on round 2 and did just that, tying the Dalton State 18-hole scoring record with a 6-under 66. Her round included four birdies and two eagles.

Kataria continued her solid play with a 3-over 75. Burger was right behind with a 4-over 76 as Bullard got the last counter with an 8-over 80. Buzzell collected the fifth score with an 81 (+9) that Cress matched as the individual. DSC carded the only sub-300 second round with a 297 (+9) and took the lead.

ROUND 3

The Lady Roadrunners once again shot the only sub-300 round of the day with a 295 (+7) to run away with the team title. Hermann polished off an individual medalist honor with a 1-over 73, giving her a 3-shot victory.

Kataria and Burger finished third and tied for fourth respectively to earn All-Tournament team recognition. Both players posted 3-over 75 in the final round. Bullard finished just outside the top five in a tie for sixth after an even-par 72 vaulted her up 10 spots.

Buzzell tied for 18th overall with an 81 (+9) in the last round, with Cress getting one better with an 80 (+8).

QUOTES FROM COACH

Comments from head coach Jim McGrew:

“I could not be prouder of the ladies and how they responded to a bad start on the first nine holes Monday. After that, it was just a great example of team golf with everyone contributing and helping us get this done.”

“We made some mistakes early, and that caused some big numbers, but settled down and played great golf and beat two top-10 teams.”

“The best part is all six players played well and showed signs of who we can be.”

“Great playing by Sydney after opening with an 81, then bouncing back with a 66 and closing with a win. Just another great finish by her.”

“Great tournaments by Jia and Sara making the All-Tournament team and Hanna with a 6th place finish. Just great playing by them and proud of them for stepping up when we had to have them.”

“We have a little break and will try to eliminate some of the mistakes as we build for postseason.”

UP NEXT

Dalton State will hit the course again on March 25 when they travel to West Point, Mississippi, for the BMCC Spring Golf Classic at Old Waverly Golf Club.