CLINTON, Iowa - As impressive as a third-place finish in the Midwest Collegiate Conference is, the Ashford University women's golf program is more hungry than ever to win the team's first ever league crown.
To do just that, defending MCC Coach of the Year Josh Davis doesn't want to wait any longer.
"This season we want to approach each event with a great mental approach and play to the best of our ability," said Davis. "We have talent, but we have to perform when it counts and compete each time we play. We have had two consistent scorers the past few years, but this year we will have solid depth."
Returning to the links for the final season is two-time defending MCC Player of the Year and three-time All-MCC selection Jordan Davis. Davis, also a member of the women's basketball team at Ashford, will strive to not only continue her winning ways, but also return to the NAIA National Tournament, where she qualified as a sophomore.
First Team All-MCC member Brittany Boon will look to build on her standout sophomore season as well. Boon shared medalist honors with Davis at the Mt. Mercy Best Ball Tournament last season.
"Those two (Davis and Boon) have been the cornerstone of our program the past few years" he added. "I cannot say enough about their leadership and competitive drive and I expect them to have an even better season than last year."
Joining Davis and Boon will be experienced sophomores Megan Wagner, Alanna Harris and Ashley Crawford and junior Felicia Scott.
Wagner and Crawford teamed up last season at the Mt. Mercy Best Ball Tournament last season as well, finishing 10th overall while Harris earned a pair of top-10 finishes last season (Augustana Spring Invitational and Clarke Spring Invitational).
"Megan was one of the top freshman players last year and works as hard as anyone we have on our team," said Davis of his returning roster. "Alanna ended last season very well and was one of our most consistent players the last few tournaments, while Ashley has solid talent and will continue to improve each round. Felicia has improved a lot over this summer."
The women's golf roster will also include a handful of incoming freshman include 2009 Western Big 6 Conference medalist Courtney Gieseman of Coal Valley, Ill., and three-time Illinois High School Association Sectional qualifier Haley Knutti of Chadwick, Ill.
Alexis Spitzner, a four-year letter winner at Waterloo East High School and former three-sport athlete Lauren Meredith of Evansville, Wis., will swing for the Saints this fall as well.
"Having four fresh faces will really add to the depth of our team," said Davis of his newcomers. "Haley and Courtney have a lot of tournament experience and a history of success and we will count on those two to contribute right away. Lauren has a great swing and a lot of potential, and the sky is the limit for her. I'm excited to see what Alexis can do when she puts a season into college golf, and I really think that all her competitive endeavors will translate well to college golf."
The Saints tee off for the first time this season today at the Mt. Mercy 4-Ball Classic at Hunter's Ridge Golf Course in Marion. The fall 2010 season will also feature the Ashford University Classic at the Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City on Oct. 10. The fall season will wrap on Oct. 25-26 at the NAIA National Preview Tournament at Link Hills Golf Course in Greeneville, Tenn.
