The University of Minnesota Crookston women’s golf team was picked to finish 13th out of 13 teams in the NSIC Preseason Women’s Golf Coaches’ Poll.
Augustana University was picked to finish first with nine first-place votes and 139 points, while Minnesota State University was selected second with two first-place votes and 122 points. Mackayla Olsen was named the Preseason Golfer of the Year in the conference.
The UMC women’s golf program returns sophomore Ellen Solem, who averaged an 88.5 on the 2020-21 season. Abby Stender, Tiffany Kozojed, Lachlan Larson, and Ciera Kotaska also return for the Golden Eagles, while they add newcomers Denali Johnson and Clara Hanson.
“I have a great amount of confidence that this will be the best team I’ve had since I’ve been coaching women’s golf,” said Head Coach Bryant Friskop. “The amount of work and preparation that these young women have put into their game will have them ready come mid-September. I know that I’m going into this season with higher expectations for myself and my golfers than in years past so that brings a ton of excitement to me”
The Golden Eagles open the season September 13-14 at the Tracy Lane Invitational in Bemidji.
POLL RESULTS –
1. Augustana (9) 139
2. Minnesota State (2) 122
3. Concordia-St. Paul (1) 106
T4. Sioux Falls (1) 102
T4. Upper Iowa 102
6. Southwest MN State 84
7. Wayne State 71
8. Winona State 66
9. Minot State 64
10. Bemidji State 52
11. Mary 45
12. Moorhead 34
13. UMC 27