19 Feb 2013
Sports Editor
Dave Carson / Staff Writer
After a disappointing fall season, the Mean Green used the final day of the Jim West Challenge to move up seven spots to take third place in the event.
This was the first time this season that the Mean Green faced other Sun Belt Conference teams, defeating the University Louisiana-Monroe by six strokes, Middle Tennessee State University by 15 strokes and Arkansas State University by 19 strokes.
“I was not happy with the team after the first 36 [holes],” head coach Jeff Mitchell said. “Going into the final round I told them that it was gut check time and they were able to overcome their biggest challenge so far.”
For sophomore McKenzie Ralston, who took fourth place in individual scoring, this was her first top-five finish in her collegiate career.
“I look back at the first round scorecard and I see several holes where I should have done better,” Ralston said. “The course was mentally challenging and as a team we figured out how to play our style of golf and not worrying about the field or the course.”
The team struggled in the first two rounds with 15 mph winds, rolling hills and difficult greens.
“That was the hardest course I think that I have ever played,” junior Chaslyn Chrismer said. “We have worked so hard and it is good to see that hard work finally is paying off on the scoreboard.”
Chrismer and freshman Georgina Mundy also had strong final rounds, finishing in the top 20 in the individual event.
Freshmen Keegan Moore placed 50th at 40 over par and junior Taylor Kilponen tied for 57th place at 43 over par.
“I was not happy with the scores,” Mitchell said. “The way the team was able to overcome the course and battle made me proud of them.”
The team will be back in action February 25-26 at the Islander Classic in Corpus Christi, Texas.
