Women's Golf opens up 24th straight conference title defense in New Mexico
9/8/2023 7:50:00 PM | Women's Golf
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico…For the second year in a row, the Kent State women's golf team is opening up its fall season at the Dick McGuire Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Last year, the Golden Flashes reigned supreme at the top of the MAC once again, winning their 24th consecutive conference title. All five players in Kent State's lineup finished in the top seven at the championships last April.
Third year head Coach Casey VanDamme has seven women on his roster this year, including five returners from the 2022-2023 season.Â
"We're very excited for the season to get underway," said VanDamme.Â
This season brings a little bit of a different schedule, as the Golden Flashes have more tournaments than usual in the first half of the season.
"We've got a pretty condensed fall with more tournaments than we've played in the past and it's incumbent on the ladies to be ready to go this year and I think we are" said VanDamme.
Leon Takagi returns for her sophomore season as the lone golfer to compete at the NCAA championships for Kent State last year, placing 47th.
The Golden Flashes also bring back two first-team All-MAC performers from last year, Jennifer Gu and Noramol Nuchsila. The two newcomers include local product Kristen Belden and Czech Republic native Veronika Kedronova.
Coach VanDamme's team excelled in New Mexico last year, tying for 3rd place out of 16 teams. Now graduated Mayka Hoogeboom secured her first collegiate victory shooting a 208 at eight under par. Jennifer Gu also finished in the top 20.Â
Kent State plans to bring six golfers to the event, with one competing as an individual.
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Tournament Information
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Course: University of New Mexico Championship Course
Dates: September 11-12
Par: 72, 6354 yards
Participants
New Mexico
Arizona State
Boise State
Cal
Denver
Iowa State
Kansas
Kent State
Northwestern
Ohio State
Oregon State
Pepperdine
San Diego State
SMU
Texas State
UNLV
Texas (individuals only)
Players Mentioned
