Lady Missionaries Open Season With Two Stroke Victory vs. College of Idaho

UNION, Ore. -- The Whitman College women's golf team opened their spring season on a
strong note Saturday, notching a two stroke victory over a talented
College of Idaho team.

Kelly Sweeney, So.

Kelly Sweeney (So., Enumclaw, WA), playing out of the No. 1 spot, shot a pair of 38's for a 76 to lead the Missionaries. Playing in the same group, which was the last on the course, Catelyn Webber's (Jr., Bellevue, WA) 79 was enough to hold off the Coyotes, whose 321 total was two shots higher than Whitman's 319. Tate Head (Bellingham, WA) and Caitlin Holland (Edgewood, WA), senior captains for the
Missionaries, shot identical 82s to round out the scoring for Whitman.

Elaine Whaley (Jr., Spokane, WA), playing her first competitive round of the year after wrist surgery in the fall, shot a 94, which was not included in the
play-five-score-four format.

Catelyn Webber, Jr.

College of Idaho's Baylee Borchers was medalist for the one-day match
with a 74, followed by Trish Gibben's 78, Katherine Reed's 81 and
Reagan Sanford's 88.

Whitman Coach Skip Molitor was pleased with the first outing of the season: "A close win against a tournament tested opponent is an outstanding way to start our spring.  The last group was a pleasure to watch. Their top two players both had stroke averages in the 70's last season and Kelly and Catelyn matched them drive for drive. Tate and Caitlin both
had rounds in the 70s well within reach, and although they struggled a bit with the notorious 18 hole at the Buffalo Peak, we expect great things ahead this spring for our seniors and captains . . .  and what a pleasure it was to have Elaine Whaley back out on the course after her
injury rehab. I expect good things ahead for Elaine."

Both teams returned the bulk of their lineups from squads than earned
bids last year to their respective national tournaments. The
Missionaries finished 12th in the NCAA Division III Championships last
May. College of Idaho accomplished
their first ever top 25 ranking at seasons end after participating in
the NAIA National Championship.

Whitman returns to the course, as will C of I, at the Warrior Classic

March 11 & 12 hosted by Lewis-Clark State College at the Clarkston Country
Club.

Coach Skip Molitor was a major contributor to this story

Contact:

Andrew Holt

Whitman Sports Information Director

holtac@whitman.edu

509.527.5902