Lancers Shatter Records at Stonehenge

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Winning their home tournament at Stonehenge Golf Course was almost an afterthought on what proved to be a historic Monday afternoon for Grace College's women's golf team.

The Lancers' blitzed by the competition in the 36-hole tournament, setting numerous program records en route to a convincing 11-stroke victory over their nearest competition.

Grace set the program low for a 36-hole tournament, breaking 600 for the first time ever. The Lancers' mark of 598 shattered the previous mark by 15 strokes.

The record breaking effort was fueled by another program mark, as the Lancers first round score of 296 was the lowest round score in Grace's history. The second round mark of 302 is the Lancers' third lowest score.

"What an incredible showing from these ladies today," remarked Grace head coach Denny Duncan. "I knew from the beginning of the year that we were capable of a performance like this, but to put it together at our home tournament in front of some many friends and family was truly special."

On the individual side Grace May and Camille Short also etched their names into Lancer lore.

Short continued to shine in her freshman season, setting the program record for 36-hole score with a mark of 145. Short tied atop the leaderboard, before eventually losing a dramatic playoff hole.

May tied the program mark for a single round score with a first round score of 70. Her effort was highlighted by eagle on hole two. May now holds three of the Lancers six lowest single round scores. The senior finished the tournament in fourth place.

Grace Beerman also played two fantastic rounds of golf, carding marks of 77 and 75 to claim eighth place.

Teammates Brette Hanavan and Trinity Bramer also earned top-10 finishes with identical scores of 155. The Lancers were the only team to place five players in the top-10.

Through 10 countable rounds of golf, the highest mark that any of the five players recorded was a 78.

Not to be outdone, Grace's "White" team finished fourth in the tournament, besting conference foes Huntington and St. Francis.

Leah Starcher and Kiley Standring each recorded single round scores in the 70s and finished with scores of 161 and 163 respectively.

Sydney Cesare laid claim to a top-20 finish which was fueled by a first round score of 80. Reagan Clifton and Raigan King closed out the scoring with marks of 173 and 197.

"With such a team effort it's almost impossible to single one player as a highlight of the day," Duncan said. "Obviously Camille and Grace (May) were remarkable in setting program records, but I think Brette embodied what we want to be as a team."

"We have focused on staying in the present this year and not getting drug down by mistakes," Duncan added. "Brette played a great first 18 holes and then hit a bit of snag early in the second round. She battled through and finished really strong on the back nine. It's gritty performances like hers that will help us achieve our goals this year."

The Lancers will be hosting a celebration of the program's 10-year reunion on Saturday.