April 8, 2004
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University's men's and women's golf teams are looking toward the West Coast Conference Championships with high aspirations. This year's tournament, taking place on April 12-13, will be held at Riverbed Golf Club in Madera. Both teams have worked hard in hopes of improving their previous year's standings.
The Bronco women brought their game to a new level this season, recently taking first place and setting a program record with a team round of 299 at the Matador Spring Invitational.
"To beat a team ranked 20 spots higher than our program gives us great confidence heading into the conference championships," head coach Polly Schulze explained, after besting host CS Northridge by one stroke.
This newly-gained confidence has set the women in a blazing fire toward the WCC Championships with their sights set on surpassing Pepperdine and San Francisco, the top two finishers in league. The WCC title has been in the possession of these two schools since the women's golf championship was added in 1997.
Led by freshman Samantha Trask with a stroke average of 78.4, SCU has earned six top-10 finishes and gaining strength with the season's progression. The squad's third-place standing among league teams during the spring and team average of 317 shows they are contenders.
The men's golf team ranks fourth in league with a team average of 299 heading into the tournament. Senior captain Justin Ahasic, winning two tournaments and placing second in another, provides the team with leadership and experience.
"Leadership will be key to our success next week," head coach John Kennaday expressed. "I feel good about this tournament; I just think we have to believe."
The Broncos are led by freshman Jong Yoon with a stroke average of 74.9 heading into the tournament. Eight of the men's nine finishes were in the top 15, including two victories. With such strong performances, the Broncos have their sights set on topping the Waves, who have dominated the championship since 1990, claiming 11 titles.
Both squads have displayed their potential as they head into the tournament with confidence and hopes of bringing the championship title home.
