The NC State women’s golf team played admirably over the weekend in its second tournament of the 2016-17 season, finishing fourth out of 18 schools.
The prestigious annual Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational was held at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Finley Golf Course from Friday through Sunday. The Wolfpack finished with a team score of 866 after the three-day event, two-over par.
The top-five finish was even more impactful considering the level of competition at the tourney. Of the other 17 schools that competed, nine were ranked in the top 50 of the GolfWeek team rankings. NC State was ranked No. 60 going into the weekend.
Head coach Page Marsh was elated to watch her team perform above expectations in an interview on GoPack.
“I’m very proud of the comeback of this team,” Marsh told NC State Athletics. “We kept bouncing back and allowed for opportunities.”
Sophomore India Clyburn led the way for the Pack, finishing with a combined three-day score of 213 (69-72-72) and a tie for sixth place overall individually. Fellow sophomore Leonie Bettel finished close behind with a combined score of 214 (71-71-72) and a tie for ninth place overall individually.
Junior Cecily Overbey, sophomore Laura Kowohl and sophomore Naomi Ko finished tied for 28th, tied for 37th and tied for 54th, respectively. Senior Sarah Bae and redshirt sophomore Crystal Huang competed as individuals and they both finished tied for 54th place with scores of 226.
“We did a better job this week of having a positive mindset to enable opportunity,” Marsh said. “When it didn’t happen the way we expected we plodded on and believed it could. The competitive game isn’t easy but if you give great respect to the game in time good things come.”
After a strong start to the tournament with an even score after round one on Friday, the team found itself in fifth place. Led by Clyburn’s 69 (-3), Bettel and Overbey helped by posting scores of 71 (-1) and 72 (E).
Beginning the second round on Saturday, the Wolfpack had the difficult task of keeping its composure. All members of the team were up to the task, however, as the end of round two saw NC State holding onto its fifth-place position.
Heading in Sunday, the pressure was on for the Pack to maintain its high-level play.
The final round ended up being State’s best as various members chipped in to shave down the team’s overall score. Kowohl led the way by posting three-under par while Clyburn and Bettel pitched in with even-par rounds.
The win was the highest mark for the Wolfpack this year after finishing 14th of 21 schools at the Cougar Classic in Hanahan, South Carolina earlier this month. The Monday GolfWeek team rankings displayed a huge leap for the Pack, moving to No. 30 nationally.
“We’re poised to do great things and are learning and growing,” Page said. “I have great belief in these young women and am really proud of how well they represent our team, their families, our university and our great game.”
The Pack will be back in action in Wilmington for the Landfall Tradition tournament from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. The Halloween weekend tournament will conclude the fall season for the team, with action for the spring season picking up in February.
