Allison Crooks iron shot Aug. 31, 2008

Central slices team total again

EAU CLAIRE, WIS.—On a day when scores were soaring, Central College freshman Sarah Paulson (Ottumwa) fired an 81 to lead the Dutch to a 12th-place finish at the 26-team Wis.-Eau Claire Fall Invitational Sunday.  

Paulson had shot 89 at the Mill Run Golf Course in Eau Claire Saturday but cut her score by eight strokes on the more challenging Wild Ridge Golf Course Sunday, finishing at 170 and climbing into a tie for 25th individually. The Dutch shot 342-363—705.

“It was a much tougher course,” said coach Jodee Schaben. “It was physically and mentally challenging, and it was a hot day.”

The 363 was still 33strokes lower than what the Dutch shot on the same course a year ago and Central’s 705 36-hole total was a 70-shot improvement. Nationally ranked Gustavus Adolphus (Minn.) took the team title with 314-332—646.

Central’s first-round team leader, Eva Downes (junior, Woodstock, Ill., Marion Catholic Central HS) shot 83-94—177, Abby Lukensmeyer (freshman, Hampton, Hampton-Dumont HS) had 86-92—178, Nicole Wenstrand (sophomore, Essex, Shenandoah HS) followed with 84-96--180 and Allison Crooks (sophomore, Moline, Ill.) had 94-100--194.

Schaben said Paulson’s biggest improvement was off the tee.

 “Yesterday she was struggling with a hook,” Schaben said. “She did a nice job of managing it but it was hard. We spent some time on the range this morning and she maybe hit only two straight shots there. But on her first hole, which is a very intimidating hole, she hit a 5-wood straight down the middle of the fairway and never looked back.”

Central’s second team, the White team, also competed, finishing at 373-401—474, placing 21st. Paige Blythe (freshman, Orange City, MOC-Floyd Valley HS) shot 94-95—189, turning in a solid 42 on her second nine holes Sunday. Janelle Stevens (sophomore, West Bend, West Bend-Mallard HS) shot 90-100—190, Jacquelyn Mauk (freshman, Clive, Valley HS) had 94-100—194, Ali Miller (freshman, Davenport, North HS) shot 95-108—203 and Lindsey Ellenson (sophomore, Amana, Clear Creek-Amana HS) had 98-106—204.

“It was a very tough day,” Schaben said. “They were not our best scores but we knew there would be tough competition and difficult courses. For our first weekend with such a young team, it’s a good start.”

Central travels to Waverly for the 36-hole Wartburg Invitational Saturday and Sunday. The Dutch will be looking for more improvement after finishing last in a 14-team field at Wartburg last year. The tournament will be played at the par-72 Centennial Oaks Golf Course with rounds beginning at 8 a.m. each day.