The Boston University women's golf team took a giant step forward at the Rutgers University Invitational last weekend, breaking the school's single-round team record with a score of 323 Friday. The team, which had not finished in the top 10 this year, appears to have picked up the reigns and finally taken control of its season after finishing sixth out of 15 teams.
BU's early surge landed them in fourth place after the first round, with only a six-stroke difference between the Terriers and tournament leader, Bucknell University. Junior Allison Hamilton contributed to the record-setting performance with a Friday individual score of 80, which was good enough to earn her the 13th spot on the leader board.
Although the Terriers second round score dipped to 342, their two-day total of 665 was low enough to outshine nine other teams at the invite, including fellow America East competitor, University of Hartford, which finished in 11th place. Hamilton recorded an 81 Saturday, rounding up the invitational in sole possession of 14th place. Sophomore Dierdre Hatfield closely trailed her teammate with a two-day total of 164, worthy of 23rd.
On the other hand, BU's men's golfers could not match the performance of their female counterparts, placing 12th out of 12 teams at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship held at the Shelter Harbor Golf Club in Rhode Island. The men have treaded a rocky path for the last two months, but a great performance by freshman Akhilesh Chitlangia this weekend may have softened their road.
"Akhilesh had an 83 to open [the tournament] and a 78 on the second day," said coach Gary Skrinar. "He has clearly been pretty consistent and is now the No. 2 player on the team. It's not unusual for a freshman to play at that spot, but it's nice to know there are some young guys that are going to be here for a while."
Skrinar added there have not been many freshmen in the last few years who have recorded average totals as low as Chitlangia, who finished the tournament in 38th place.
BU's best golfer, junior Michael O'Day, did not play at the ECAC because of academic engagements. Skrinar is adamant about placing academics first and said that a player's classes and work always takes precedence over athletics.
As a whole, the team has not reached its potential and has been inconsistent from tournament to tournament. According to Skrinar, the trend seems to be that "a couple guys have strong first rounds but are unable to back it up on the second day."
With the up-and-down play of the team and the poor end results, keeping the team motivated is no easy task.
"We just have to keep trying and keep practicing. It has been this way for 17 or 18 years," Skrinar said.
The men tee off next this upcoming Monday at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Championship, and will compete in a field of over 40 teams. The women's team hopes to keep its hot swing going at the Sacred Heart Invitational this weekend.
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