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Warriors lock up second in Iowa Lakes Spring Invitational

Waldorf Warriors LogoBy Matt Oliver

PANORA – Consistent performances throughout the lineup propelled the Waldorf University women’s golf team to a second-place finish in the Iowa Lakes Spring Invitational.

The Warriors turned in a 676-stroke total while concluding the two-day tournament on Monday.

“It was a really good tournament,” Waldorf coach Mark Clouse said.

Fernanda Valdes led the Warriors, claiming runner-up honors with a 36-hole score of 158 strokes following rounds of 84 and 74 the par-72 layout at Lake Panorama National Golf Course. The sophomore from Morelia, Mexico recorded her best score of the year while extending her streak of top-10 performances to 20 competitions.

“She had a chance to even shoot under par [on Monday] and that’s good to see,” Clouse said.

Junior Maggie Peters earned fourth for the Warriors, firing a 164 with rounds of 79 and 85.

“Maggie had a good tournament,” Clouse said. “She was right in the thick of contending for the overall title. It was a really good first round, and she had a pretty good second day.”

Waldorf’s Hallie Hauer secured fifth as she carded a 165 behind rounds of 83 and 82. The sophomore transfer from River Falls, Wisconsin has made an immediate impact in the team’s lineup.

“She had really consistent scores,” Clouse said. “She’s provided more depth to our team and is shooting good numbers.”

Freshman Haleigh Biernacki competed as an individual for the Warriors and locked up 16th with a 188 while completing rounds of 97 and 91.

“That’s what we’re looking for is consistency through the lineup and having everybody playing well,” Clouse said. “That’s what you want with team golf.”

Waldorf sophomore Kailee Ward tied for 18th, shooting a 192 on rounds of 94 and 98 to contribute the team’s final score. Sophomore Trinity Hill tied for 22nd with a 194 behind rounds of 99 and 95. Freshmen Haley Lawrence and Mckenzie Fahrni also competed as individuals. Lawrence took 24th, providing a 197 with rounds of 99 and 98. Fahrni tied for 27th with a 204, finishing with rounds of 107 and 97.

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), ranked No. 10 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I poll, won the team championship with 666 strokes as the Bears topped Waldorf (676) by 10 strokes. Iowa Central Community College (705) placed third, and North Iowa Area Community College (744) rounded out the team standings in fourth.

Iowa Central’s Julie Laisney won the individual title with a 156 to edge DMACC’s Ashley Dumler by one stroke.

The Warriors opened the spring season winning three straight competitions.

“They’ve definitely had a nice spring,” Clouse said. “We’re getting a good team score from our women. It’s nice to see them playing that well.”

Waldorf has one final tournament before the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Championships, scheduled for April 24-26 at Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Warriors compete in Thursday’s NIACC Spring Invitational at Mason City, starting at 10:30 a.m. Waldorf enjoyed success at the Mason City Country Club in September as they opened the fall campaign with a tournament victory.

“They’re going back to a place where they’re really comfortable and have had good success,” Clouse said. “It’s a nice tournament to have before conference and helps trying to keep that positive vibe going.”