Both of Bradley’s golf teams started off the week in tournament action. The women made the trip to Burlington, Iowa for the Missouri Valley Conference Championships, and the men were in Macomb for the Beu/Mussatto Invitational from April 19 to 21.
The weather wasn’t ideal for golf. For much of the tournaments, there were gusty 30 mph winds.
“I can’t emphasize enough how challenging the conditions were,” head coach Mary Swanson said. “Not only physically, but the windiness [also] starts to get into your head.”
The women’s team finished fifth overall in the team standings for the second straight year, with a score of 960. Wichita State took the championship, followed by Missouri State, Southern Illinois (SIU) and Illinois State to round out the top five. Swanson said that she expected a better finish.
“Honestly, we weren’t satisfied with a fifth place finish,” Swanson said. “We expected to go out there and win the whole thing.”
Junior Jenna Roadley was the top individual performer for the Braves. She tied for fifth with a 234, good enough for her to earn her first career All-MVC honors. Roadley and the winner of individual pool were the only two golfers to shoot in the 70’s in all three rounds.
“[Roadley] has turned the corner this spring,” Swanson said. “Her swing has improved so much. On top of that, mentally, things have kind of clicked for her. She really has gained some confidence.”
Junior Danielle Lemek earned MVC Golfer of the Year for the second straight year. With a final score of 238, she climbed to 14th overall during the last round after being previously at 28th in the individual standings. Lemek is Bradley’s first three-time All-MVC honoree since 2008.
“It’s unfortunate that some of her highest rounds were at the conference championships, but that’s just how the game goes sometimes,” Swanson said. “To maintain the high level that she performed at all season was outstanding.”
Freshman Ally Scaccia tied for 21st at 242, junior Allison Walsh finished 44th at 254, and freshman Grace Henderson finished 50th.
The Beu/Mussatto Invitational, meanwhile, l was the last tournament before the MVC championships for the men.
Overall, Bradley shot an 895 and finished second in the team standings, three shots behind winner William Woods University.
Senior Danny Masrin was the top individual performer for the Braves. He finished third at 220, one shot behind the two players who finished tied for first. It was his second straight top-five individual finish.
“Masrin’s game is really coming together nicely,” Roche said. “He’s working hard and practicing what he needs to get better at. He’s really hitting his stride coming down the stretch.
Senior Seth Trolia and junior Lyle Burns both tied for sixth place. It was Trolia’s team-best fifth top-10 finish of the year, and he became the first Brave with 28 sub-80 rounds in a season since 2002-03. Burns’ 76 in the final round was his 11th consecutive round under 80.
Junior Garrett Cox shot a 230 to tie for 13th, his first top-20 finish of the season. Freshman Matthew Sprecht finished 51st overall at 246. Playing as an individual, freshman Daniel Lensing tied Cox for 13th at 230.
The men start the Missouri Valley Conference championship this upcoming Monday. The Braves are projected to finish fourth, their highest prediction in years.
“[Tuesday] was a nice tune-up for the championships,” Roche said. “It’s gonna take a team effort to win. We have the individual talent and composure, so we’re definitely capable.”
