April 15, 2015 By Joe Walsh

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s golf team opened its 2015 spring season on April 11 and April 12, finishing   15th at the two-day Illinois Wesleyan Spring Fling at Ironwood Golf Course in Normal, Illinois.

This tournament featured seven top-25 teams. Washington University in St. Louis came away with the victory for the second-straight year, posting the top score on each day as the recorded its 25th all-time victory in the seven years of a varsity program.

Senior Kate Winkler tied for 70th with a score of 172 (83-89), while sophomore Stephanie Stair tied for 84th after carding a 177 (85-92).

“I’m pretty happy with how I played this weekend, especially the first day,” Winkler said. “My 83 was the best I’ve shot in a tournament so I was pretty excited. The conditions the second day were a little tougher, it was extremely windy, but I think I could have played a little better. My putts just weren’t dropping like they were on Saturday and I let a couple holes get away from me. Overall though, I’d say I played pretty well.”

The Warhawks totaled 677 strokes in two days (334-343), three shy of North Central (Ill.), who placed 14th.

“For the first real round of the spring [it was] not too bad,” head coach Brett Weber said. “The highlight of the day was Kate Winkler shooting her collegiate best of 83.  She was playing real solid, hitting good drives, pitching good and thinking her way around the course well. Couple putts fall and she shoots in the 70s for sure.”

Senior Sammie Leibham and sophomore Kayla Asleson led UW-Whitewater, each finishing in the top half of the 104-player field. Leibham shot a total of 164 (81-83) to tie for 45th overall, while Asleson improved by five strokes in the second round for a 165 (85-80), good for a tie for 51st.

“Leibham played well for about 15 holes,” Weber said. “Kayla Asleson was playing well and really gave away a good round by finishing triple, double, double for 85.”

Senior Sarah Bregant rounded out Warhawks scoring with a 187 (96-91), for 97th place.

UW-Whitewater returns to action Friday and Saturday as it hosts the UW-Whitewater Spring Fling. Tournament play is set to begin Friday at 1 p.m. at Delbrook Golf Course in Delavan.

“I’m pretty optimistic for our spring season,” Winkler said. “I’m happy with how we played this weekend, despite the conditions and such a tough field. It’s crazy to think that our home tournament is this coming weekend already.”