Men’s golf stays atop MIAA rankings

Last Saturday both men and women’s golf played in their second MIAA Jamborees of the season with strong showings from both sides. The women’s team had a repeat performance, taking second again to Saint Mary’s College with scores of 324-351, leaving them at a solid second place in the league standings. Sophomore Jordyn Rioux had the lowest score among the team at 86 points, followed closely by sophomore Abigail Meder and freshman Megan Jenkinson, who tied at a score of 87.

Head coach Greg Stafford commented on the team’s efforts, saying the “course played hard, every hole was a grind, but I was proud of the way we fought.” The men’s team leapt ahead of the MIAA teams, taking an incredible win at a seven under par team score of 277, followed by Trine University and Calvin College who tied at 296. The team score was only two shots away from the MIAA team record for the course. The 19 stroke lead taken by the Flying Dutchmen locked down their first place standing in the league, increasing the lead to 25 strokes ahead of second place Calvin. Senior Josh Gibson took a definitive lead among the Hope golfers, winning the Jamboree shooting a 65: six under par.

His game matched the MIAA course record held by Hope alumni Nick Campbell (2012) and Adrian College’s Jordan Kelly (2010). His score also matched the MIAA record for lowest round at any league event. He was also named the men’s golf MIAA player of the week. Junior Daniel Settecerri followed up Gibson in the team and as the event’s runner-up with the only other under par score of 69: one under par.

Head coach Scott Lokers commented on the pair’s accomplishments, saying “it was a great team score for us. When you have two scores in the 60s, that’s big. To have five great scores in the same round is really a nice accomplishment.” Both teams resume MIAA play this week, looking to take more win and gain more ground on the other MIAA competitors.