No. 5 Marian Wins NCAA DII Walsh Saddlebrook Spring Kickoff

Wesley Chapel, Fla. - For the third consecutive year, the Marian women's golf team has began their spring season with a win at the annual Saddlebrook Kickoff Classic, as the Knights won the seven-team field at the Walsh tournament. Mackendzie Dresbaugh was the overall champion in the event.

Wind and rain played a factor throughout the three-day tournament, as the Knights battled each of the three rounds in the field. Marian shot a 310 on Tuesday in round one, a 323 through the elements on Wednesday, and on Thursday playing against the wind, Marian shot a 323. The team totaled a 956 for their overall total, winning the event 42 strokes over fellow Crossroads League member Bethel University. The Knights defeated three NCAA DII members in the field, and earned wins over a top-50 Indiana East and Saint Xavier. 

Marian had six players in their lineup and one individual, and were led by the tournament champion Mackendzie Dresbaugh, who shot a 233 overall. Dresbaugh fired a 75 in round one, while ending the event with rounds of 77 and 81. Dresbaugh won the event by two strokes, as teammate Emma Weiler finished as the runner-up with her 235 score. Weiler shot a 77 in rounds one and three, and an 81 in round two. Jordan Adam also made the all-tournament team, finishing fourth overall with a 245 score. Adam carded round scores of 82, 81, and 82.

Keara Eder finished seventh overall in the field and fourth on the team, firing a 249 for the week. Eder scored an 82, 84, and 83 in her three rounds. Hailey Kirkland shot a 250 and finished eighth, claiming a 76, 85, and 89 for her three rounds of golf. Maria Kennard rounded out the Marian lineup, placing 14th with a 259 total (85+84+90). Ava Hedrick competed as an individual, and scored a 177, playing in only rounds one and two. Hedrick scored an 89 and an 88 in her two rounds. 

The Knights will be back in action on March 21 and 22, competing at the annual Heritage Hill Collegiate, hosted by Lawrence Tech. 

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