Pioneers finish fifth at Augustana Highland Classic

Platteville, Wis.- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's golf team teed it up for the first time in the 2022-23 season at the Augustana Highland Classic in Rock Island, Illinois. The Pioneers finished fifth over the two-day event.

The Pioneers shot a 338 on a hot muggy Friday afternoon and improved by a shot on Saturday with a 337. Markie Ash finished sixth in individual scoring with a two-day total of 157. Ash opened the event with a 77. Starting on hole 10, Ash was four over after four holes before a birdie on the par four 14th got her on track. Ash would par the final four holes for a 39 on her first nine. On her second nine, Ash would record three bogeys and her second birdie of the day to shoot a 38. Ash did not find the same rhythm on day two and finished eight over for an 80.

Sophomore Josie Alm shot a career best 80 to open the tournament. Following a 42 on her first nine holes, Alm parred seven of the final nine holes on her second nine to finish eight over par.

Alm would finish 16 after an 88 on day two.

Sophomore Jada Chang rebounded on day two to shoot a career best 83 to finished tied for 21st with teammate Maddy Berg. Berg, a freshman, shot an 84 in her first collegiate round.

Senior Emily Veenhuis rebounded from a rough opening round to shot 87 on day two. Sophomore Nicole Sedam shot a career best 102 on day one and lowered her career low round to 93 on day two. 

Freshman Taylor Swalve finished 27th in her first collegiate start, with a two-day total of 190.  Emma Cage also shot a career best 90 on day one. 

The Pioneers will have a weekend off before they compete in the Loras College Fall Invite. The first round is Sunday, Sept. 18 at Woodbine Golf Course in Stockton, Illinios. Round two will take place at the Meadows Golf Course in Asbury, Iowa on Monday, Sept. 19.