The women's golf team ended its season with a victory at the eight-team Lehigh Invitational held Oct. 22 and 23 at the Saucon Valley Country Club's Grace Course. The team registered a 607, finishing the weekend with a team score of 298 Sunday, the team's lowest round of the fall season.
"I thought the team worked really well together," said captain Megan Tuohy '12. "We were a few strokes back after the first day, but everyone focused on contributing to shave a few strokes off during the second round."
The weekend was highlighted by yet another impressive performance from Stephanie Hsieh '15. The first-year was within one hole of her second individual victory of the fall season, but she fell short on the first playoff hole. The second-place finish was Hsieh's third top-three finish of the season.
"I knew that at the end of my round, I was going to have to play in a playoff hole," Hsieh said. "In the playoff, I got up and down out of a bunker and saved par. But the other girl ended up with a birdie putt from three feet."
Another rookie, Michelle Chen '15, also led the team, placing third with a 150 for the weekend, only three strokes behind Hsieh's 147. The duo of first-years has been a strong force for the team the entire season.
The veterans also contributed to the success of the team's performance. Tuohy had yet another finish near the top of the leaderboard, placing fifth with a 152. Though they were not in the top 10, Heather Arison '12 and Carly Arison '12 turned in strong performances — shooting 165 and 167 respectively.
"Heather and Carly have contributed to the leadership of this team all season," Tuohy said. "Their play and how they welcomed the (first-year) players solidified the team."
A large key to the squad's success was the players' ability to support one another and coalesce.
"Our play exceeded my expectations — everyone performed extremely well," Tuohy said. "Everyone stays focused on their own game, but at the same time, supports everyone else."
With some success behind them, the Bears' main goal — winning the Ivy League tournament next spring — lies ahead.
"I think everyone on our team is really proud of how we did this season and we're looking forward to Ivy tournament," Hsieh said.
