Men’s Golf: Tigers look to make statement in the NCAC
After a disappointing finish in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) championships last season, the Tigers put together an impressive season this past September and October. DePauw turned in three Top 5 finishes, including a second place finish at their annual Dan Quayle Collegiate Classic.
“We demonstrated that commitment in the fall so hopefully we can ride that into the spring season,” sophomore Jason Miller said.
The Tigers carry the goal of winning conference, but putting up consistent scores will prove to be a challenge throughout the season.
“Every one of our guys has shown they are capable to go low, so hopefully we can all play well on the same day,” Miller said. “If we did that all on the same day, we are going to shock the NCAC conference.”
Led by senior Jackson Mihevc, the Tigers will put out a fairly young team, which includes first-years Grant Germano, Kinder Jones and Jacob Kelber.
“If we stay committed, we’re going to be Conference contenders,” Miller said.
Key losses: Evan Atkinson, Quinn Smith, Ryan White
Match to watch for: March 14-March 15 Katman Klassic; Twin Bridges GC; Danville, IN. With the Klassic being the only home match of the spring, the Tigers will hope to pick up where they left off in 2016, the last time the team hosted the match. DePauw placed first out of eight teams, including Hanover College, Franklin College and Millikin University.
Women’s Golf: Returning talent and young potential set to continue winning
DePauw opened last September with back-to-back wins at the Lynn Schweizer Invitational and the Kyle Campbell Classic. The Tigers never looked back, placing no lower than fifth throughout the fall, rounding out the season with a first place finish at the conference preview.
“We found that this year’s group of freshmen fit really well into our starting lineup,” junior Rachele Miller said. “This should help ease the learning curve this spring.”
The team’s new additions include first-years Layla Ahmadi, Christal Chan, Tori Gingerich, Tarinni Sameer Kakar and Allison Miller. Kakar, Chan and Ahmadi all put together strong performances in the NCAC preview.
The Tigers will eagerly seek another shot in late April at the NCAC championships, a match they finished second at last season. The motivation to win will be even stronger given the team also missed out at an at-large bid to enter the NCAA tournament.
Given the strong returning core that includes sophomore Anna Foley, junior Larisa Luloff and Miller, the Tigers can certainly make a run in conference.
“This year I have seen how much work my teammates have put in during the offseason,” Miller said. “They are truly a remarkable group who I hope will accomplish great things.”
Key losses: Sheinnera Gerongay, Kenzlie Westerfield
Match to watch for: April 27th-April 29th NCAC Championships, Westbrook C. C., Mansfield, Ohio. Given the Tigers have finished second in back-to-back years, all eyes will be on the team as they enter tournament play to close out April.