By Ellie Ratliff, Sports Editor
The Hardin-Simmons University women’s golf team placed second in the Rock Winds Invitational tournament after a strong start on the first day. The tournament took place on Sept. 15-16 in Hobbs, New Mexico. In the opening round, the Cowgirls shot 317, giving them an eight-stroke lead. They finished off with a 347, awarding them a second-place finish. Leading the Cowgirls was senior Baylee Oehlert, who placed third overall on the weekend. Oehlert holds herself to self-imposed high standards.
“Honestly, the Rockwind tournament didn't turn out the way we expected. When we go out and play any tournament, we expect to win every single time. It doesn't always turn out that way, but we put our best foot forward and try to play to the best of our ability,” Oehlert said.
The strong performance on the first day of the tournament also resulted in high expectations for the team. “Being in first place individually and with my team after round one, I expected us to go out there the second day and win us a golf tournament,” Oehlert said.
The Cowgirls are taking this performance and looking to build off of it as they continue to play this season. Oehlert has a positive outlook and is expecting great things from this team. “Overall, for this season, I think my team and I have something special. We are fighters and we are going to continue to fight this season and put ourselves in a good position to win every single tournament we can,” Oehlert said.
The new Tommy Hale Short Game Facility is giving the women’s golf team even more of an opportunity to improve their game. The team has several goals looking ahead.
“With our short game facility now open this semester, we are working on our short game more, and ways to be better on and around the golf course. As for myself, I am currently working on playing to the best of my ability, since I currently have an injury. But injury or not, I'm going to play the best I can for my team, my coach, my school and myself,” Oehlert said.
The Cowgirls has the Golfweek Fall Invitational coming up on Oct. 13-15 in Destin, Fla.