PULLMAN, Wash. – The University of Idaho women's golf team opened the 2016-17 season the way it ended the 2015-16 season – winning.
In their first tournament of the fall, the Vandals powered through Palouse Ridge Golf Course to win the WSU Cougar Cup by four strokes over Washington State and Cal State-Fullerton – the two teams tied for second. Idaho shot an even-par 864 for the 54 holes. WSU and CSF had 868s with Sacramento State at 879 and fourth.
The Vandals trailed the host Cougars by one going into the final day and used a 68 by
Amy Hasenoehrl and a 69 by
Sophie Hausmann to take over the tournament. Hasenoehrl and Hausmann tied for second with three-under 213s. Contributing to the team effort were
Michelle Kim, whose 72 Tuesday put her in a tie for seventh with a 54-hole 217;
Clara Moyano, who also had a 72 in the final round and finished tied for 15
th at 222, and
Laura Gerner, who had a 75 and tied for 21
st at 225.
"They just kept making birdie after birdie," said coach
Lisa Johnson of what she saw from her team as the day progressed. "It helps that we were in this situation last year. This team remembers that feeling."
Johnson said an improved confidence on the greens, combined with accurate short games, made the difference for the Vandals. The other contributing factor was the play of Hasenoehrl – the team's lone senior.
"Amy, in my mind, is the reason we won this tournament," Johnson said. "She played so well. She played relaxed. She had a lot of fun. I'm extremely proud of here."
And, of course, the reliability of Hausmann, who was competing in the World Team Amateur Championship in Mexico the day before teeing off in the Cougar Cup.
"I'm very proud of Sophie coming back and playing right away," Johnson said. "She played great."
Playing as individuals for the Vandals,
Kendall Gray tied for 18
th with a 223 and
Danika Palm tied for 25
th with a 226.
Danielle Kinder tied for 52
nd at 239.
"The great thing this team showed today," Johnson said, "is we have much more depth than in the past. It makes us better because there is more competition."
