The Bradley women’s golf team won convincingly at the A-Ga-Ming Invitational on Sunday and Monday to start their 2024 campaign. With victories in individual and team categories, the Braves showed early on that they will be a strong squad this year.
Caroline McConnell, who joined the squad recently, made an immediate impact by winning the individual championship in an exciting five-hole playoff.
“Caroline’s individual win in her first tournament as a Brave was extremely impressive,” head coach Halley Morell said. “She was composed and rose to the challenge, and I am excited to see what else she can accomplish this year.”
McConnell not only won the match individually, but also set an example for the other players with her composure under pressure.
Allison Pacocha also had a standout performance, finishing her tournament with a final round of 2-under, 70, a score that helped Bradley cement their team win.
“Allison’s final round was a great way to finish the tournament and lock in our team victory,” Morell said.
Jillian Cosler rounded out Bradley’s top performers with a solid top-five finish, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Morell described the invitational as “a wonderful way to kick off the season,” noting there were “so many bright spots to discuss.”
This win was the first step in what the coach believes will be a successful year for the Braves, who are aiming for the ultimate goal: winning the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in April.
Even with the promising start, Morell said there is still space for growth.
“We made a lot of great strides this week, but we need to continue to put in the work to move in the right direction,” Morell said.
With eight talented players on the roster, the group’s versatility will be essential to their success as they face tough competition this season. At each tournament, their abilities will be tested against some of the best schools in the nation, giving them crucial knowledge as they prepare for the MVC Championship.
“Our theme for the year is to set the standard in everything we do, including working hard academically, in the weight room and on the golf course, along with leadership and community service,” Morell said, outlining his ambitions for the season.
This approach emphasizes perseverance and commitment, which the coach believes are essential to achieving the team’s greatest potential. Despite an excellent start at the A-Ga-Ming Invitational, Morellis confident that this is only the beginning.
“We are preparing for each tournament by having intentional and focused daily practices and continuing to control the controllables,” Morell said.
With the foundation set and the bar raised high, Bradley’s women’s golf team is positioned for an exciting season.
