Lady Hornets win fourth straight SWAC Golf Championship
ALEXANDRIA, La. (bamastatesports.com) – The Alabama State women’s golf team won its fourth consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference golf championship Tuesday at Links On The Bayou Golf Course.
Alabama State shot 299 in the final round in shooting 597 in the 36-hole event. Chanelle Avaricio earned low medalist honors for the second straight season, as she was the only player to shoot under par in the championship. Her one-under 71 on Tuesday gave her a two-day total of one-under 143.
“I really didn’t think about last year, because I know it would distract me,” Avaricio said. “I’m really happy about winning again. I didn’t expect it. I know a lot of players are better now on my team and on other teams. I just really tried to play my game and stay calm.”
Avaricio shot even par 36 on the front nine (two birdies, two bogeys), and after a 10th hole bogey, she birdied the 12th and 16th holes to finish under par.
“She’s learning more about course management and what’s important,” Alabama State head golf coach Dr. Gary Grandison said. “Even if you don’t hit the perfect shot, you have to know how to miss. It’s a game of misses. I saw a lot of maturity this week.”
All five Lady Hornets earned All-SWAC honors, as ASU finished 1-2-3 and T-6. Janelle Kraakman shot one-under 73 to finish at 3-over par 147, one shot ahead of Dismary Marquez’ 148 (74-74), as the duo joined Avaricio as first-team All-SWAC performers. Shanon Spinuzzi shot 81 in the final round to shoot 160, tied with Sylvia Masango (78-82). Spinuzzi and Masango earned second-team All-SWAC honors.
“They kept their composure in shooting both rounds under 300,” Dr. Grandison. “We shot under 300 and still had unforced errors. That’s a step in the right direction for our program. Hopefully they are learning how to score and manage the course better.”
The tournament win was dedicated to Lorenza Patrick and Henry Duncolm, former coaches and supporters of the Alabama State golf program, along with Johnny Grandison, each of whom passed away in the last several months.
The Lady Hornets will compete in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, and will learn its NCAA Tournament destination later this month.
