Opening the year with a 10th place finish at the University of New Mexico Dick McGuire Tournament on Sept. 15 and 16, Denver’s women’s golf team then placed third in the Golfweek Conference Challenge tournament on Sept. 22-24 in Wolcott, Colorado. This has been the biggest highlight thus far for the Pioneers.

“In the final round of the tournament [Golfweek Conference Challenge], we broke the team scoring record, and the team as a whole played well. Isabella [Southard] shot 66 so we broke a number of school records and she set a course record as well,” assistant coach Nicki Cutler said.

On Oct. 10-12, DU hosted the Ron Moore Women’s Intercollegiate Tournament at Highlands Ranch Golf Club, their home course. Denver finished fifth behind tournament champions Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Long Beach State University, and the University of Nebraska.

DU finished 37 over par. Sophomore Jessica Carty led the Pioneers with a nine over par finish, and was tied for 11th place overall.

DU had three other golfers place in the top 20. Junior Isabel Southard and freshman Aleana Grouenhout tied at fifth with plus 10, and senior Rachel Watton finished 15th overall with a score of plus 11.

From Oct. 17-19, the team journeyed to Knoxville, Tennessee to compete in the Mercedes Benz Intercollegiate Tournament.

DU finished in 8th place, defeating power teams such as Notre Dame and the University of Michigan.
Jessica Carty had the best score of the team with 10-over par and finished 17th overall.

“The overall performance throughout the year is important in determining if you get a postseason bid. We always want to be in a position to compete in a national championship. We are happy with the way the team has responded and we’re focused on the little things we can do day in and day out and doing things that will allow us to perform at our best,” said Cutler.

Advancing far into the post-season is a major goal for the team.

There are two new freshmen this year, and both of them have been able to compete in the top five spots for the Pioneers. Not only is there fresh talent, but there is also great leadership in the upperclassmen.

“[Rachel Watton] has done a phenomenal job this year providing leadership and being upbeat and encouraging her teammates. She has performed well herself and she is a great leader by being so supportive with her teammates,” said Cutler.

The team’s next tournament is Feb. 14 and 15 in Palo Alto, California.