WIth a record-breaking day, Kats take title
10/4/2016 5:36:00 PM | Women's Golf
HUNTSVILLE – It was a record-breaking day for the Sam Houston State women's golfers and they claimed the title at the Bearkat Women's Invitational at Ravens Nest Golf Club.
Gianti Mahardhika shot a school-record 66 to finish in second at 5-under par, two strokes behind Lamar's Elodie Chaplet who won the individual title.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Bearkats as a team shot a 290, matching Lamar, as the Kats were able to hold on to their five stroke lead. The three-round total of 873 was also a school record, breaking the previous mark set in 2013 by one stroke. The win for the Bearkats is their second of the season.
“We met with them this morning and told them there really is no lead until the third round is over,” said head coach Brandt Kieschnick. “We focused on the things that got us the lead and once we walked out of the facility, we left winning there and just focused on going out and making good shots and trying for a low round.”
In addition of Mahardhika, 66, which bettered the previous mark of 67 set by Landa Stewart in 2006, she also set a new school record over three rounds. Mahardhika's 208 was four-strokes better than any other SHSU women's golfer, topping Shelby Hardy's 212 set in 2013.
“Today, I just think everything worked,” Mahardhika said. “Sometimes you just have that kind of round. I didn't focus on the score and just took it shot by shot. It didn't know my score until I was on 17.”
Also with a top 10 finish for the Bearkats was Hannah Alberto, who had a 77 on Tuesday to finish 10th. Kari Bush shot a 73 and finished 13th, while Heather Shake shot a 74 to finish 15th. Jenna Phillips moved into the top 20 with a 78, placing her in a tie for 19th.
Playing as individuals and not factoring in to the team score was Sarah Black who shot an 87 and finished 28th and Celeste Lo shot a 77 to finish 29th.
“We are as deep as we ever have been,” Kieschnick said. “One to seven, everyone is pushing each other. You want to get in that top 5, you have to shoot well in qualifying, so we are getting a very strong top five. The freshmen are playing well and everyone is contributing to winning.”
The Kats will head out on the road next week as they will head to Seattle, Wash., to take place in the Pat Harbottle Invitational.
