Hawkeyes Head Into Season

Sept. 18, 2006

The University of Iowa’s women’s golf team is evenly split among classes after competing with no seniors last season. The team is made up of two seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and one freshman. Everyone’s contributions will be crucial to having a successful season.

In her first season as Iowa’s head women’s golf coach, Kelly Crawford is quickly getting to know her team as her players are getting to know her. She has already taken note of the chemistry the 2006-07 Hawkeye squad possesses.

“Underclassmen always look up to the seniors, even from a non golf standpoint. They help freshmen find their classes,” Crawford said.

The Hawkeyes improved from fall to spring last year, and Coach Crawford hopes that streak continues this season.

“I think I have higher expectations than the girls have seen in the past. We need to get out and get it done,” said Crawford. “A combination of effort, commitment and desire will drive the 2006-07 squad to be strong competitors in the Big 10.”

Three of the top 25 teams are in the Big Ten Conference and Coach Crawford sees no reason why Iowa cannot be top contenders. Some of the team’s goals are to improve from last year, move up in Big Ten rankings, lower the team scoring average and make it to Central Regionals.

Coach Crawford hopes the two seniors, Karla Murra and Amy Riepma, leave the program in better condition than when they started.

Murra’s best finish was at the Illini Spring Challenge, where she placed eighth. Her low round of 72 came in the fall at the Legends of Golf Shootout. The native of Sioux Falls, SD, tied for 19th at the Big Ten Championships.

Riepma, a native of Clear Lake, IA, recorded three top ten finishes throughout the season and marked her name in the Iowa record books four times. At the Big Ten Championships, Riepma led the team, tying for 15th while registering her name for top individual performances for 36, 54 and 72-holes.

Juniors Jill Marcum, Melanie Boyles and Maggie Gelber return as upperclassmen for the Hawkeyes.

Marcum ranked second on Iowa’s overall averages last season, with 77.4. The Clarinda, IA, native finished in the top ten in three tournaments, with a season-best fifth-place finish at the Illini Spring Challenge.

Boyles, Iowa’s second junior, started the season off strong with a second place finish at the Hawkeye Intercollegiate. The native of Tempe, AZ, posted an 80.3 scoring average.

Gelber, a native of Winnetka, IL, tied for eighth at the Hawkeye Intercollegiate, posting a season low round of 76. At the Illini Spring Challenge Gelber tied for 19th, also tying her season low round.

Crawford said the underclassmen’s contributions will be significant to build a core as Iowa becomes stronger competitors in the Big Ten.

“The underclassmen’s contributions will be crucial from a recruiting standpoint because the next couple of classes will be huge,” said Crawford. “This includes returning sophomores Tyrette Metzendorf and Becky Quinby.”

Metzendorf excelled in her first collegiate competition, finishing first at the Hawkeye Intercollegiate. The Winter Haven, FL, native led the team with an average of 76.4. She finished in the top ten in three tournaments and holds Iowa’s all-time record for individual performances for 36-holes, achieved at the Legends of Golf Shootout last fall.

Quinby competed in four tournaments for the Hawkeyes. The native of Plymouth, MN, tied for 19th at the Hawkeye Intercollegiate, carding 244.

One newcomer was added to the squad, Alison Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh hails from Littleton, CO, and can benefit Coach Crawford’s goal of building a strong core of younger players.

Iowa opens its season at home with the Hawkeye Intercollegiate on September 9-10. The Hawkeyes will also play in the Lady Northern, Notre Dame, Shootout at the Legends and GSU/Pelican Preserve tournaments this fall.