BY HANK WICKLEY
SPORTS EDITOR
On Saturday, September 15, the Women’s Golf team took home a big win. Literally. The team hosted the Alma Invitational at the Pine River Country Club.
“To finish in the top four at our own invitational was a great feeling,” said Kennedy Hilley (‘19), “but it made it even more special that it was my last tournament at Pine River Country Club.”
Hilley was a team leader at the event, along with a few more of her teammates. “I had a couple bad holes but I was able to move on from those and focus on the next shot,” said Hilley.
“It goes to show that golf is not a sprint but a marathon,” said Hilley.
Head Golf coach Mike Mignano was proud of the whole team, and especially the seniors. “Our seniors have shown exceptional leadership while the younger players have made strides and gotten some valuable competitive experience,” said Mignano.
While Hilley and the other seniors are in their last season as Scots, some fresh faces have come along to fill their shoes.
Freshman Ava Gardiner (‘22) shot a careerlow at the invitational. “It was an amazing feeling,” said Gardiner.
“I’m pretty happy with my score, but I know there is always room for improvement, and I look forward to having more chances to beat that.” Gardiner is excited to continue her success.
“I want to take full advantage of the time I have left,” said Gardiner.
The team has goals for this year, and will stop at nothing to achieve them.
“They set lofty team goals this year,” said Mignano, “it will be exciting to see the team progress the rest of the fall season and into the spring.” That lofty goal? To make it to the spring tournament, according to Hilley.
“I know this team has the potential to finish in the top three,” said Hilley.
Hilley said her personal goals are to continue working and land an all-conference spot.
“We want to continue with our momentum, and we’re aiming to take the top,” said Gardiner.
In Mignano’s first year as a head coach at Alma, he has been nothing but impressed.
“They are not only great golfers, but even better people,” said Mignano.
“It’s proof that you can be successful in athletics while also showing kindness, compassion, responsibility, and activism across campus,” said Mignano
