WRITTEN BY: ANDREW EAKES | STAFF WRITER
With 14 strokes to spare, the Sea Lion’s golf team completed the PLNU Reach 2016 tournament with their third win in five matches this season on February 9. PLNU hosted the tournament at the Riverwalk Golf Course in Mission Valley and posted a score of 620 (+44) over two days.
“We were able to use our hard work and team camaraderie to help us get the win,” said sophomore Haley Fuller. “Winning three out of the last five tournaments is something we knew we had in us. It was great to finally get out there again.”
Fuller and senior captain Samantha Stockton were selected to share PacWest player of the week honors. Stockton and Fuller both shot a 153 (+9)—the third best individual score of the match.
Sophomore Rima Antous shined for the Sea Lions. After shooting a career best 76 (+4) in the first round, she finished with a score of 156 (+12)—sixth best individual score in the field.
“The greens were playing fast as lightning. This really upset the other teams,” said Antous. “We had the ad- vantage from the start and our amazing coach helped us through the whole thing.”
The team saw similar success in the fall: winning two out of their four tournaments. With three months in between their final tournament of last year and the PLNU Reach 2016 competition, the team looked to continue the energy and competitive edge all the way until their first tournament at home this season.
“It was amazing to see the all of the support that came from PLNU,” said Antous. “A 7:30 am start makes it hard for everyone to make it out. Just seeing the faculty out there meant the world to us.” The team’s effort comes from the inspiration of a supportive coaching staff. Head Coach Noel Allen said everyday is a blessing to instruct what she considers to be a talented team.
“We all have a healthy respect for each other,” said Allen. “I wanted them to keep positive, humbled and confident as we prepared for this tournament. They need mental strength and long-
term endurance for a game that is played for lengths of five plus hours.”
The Sea Lions are in the midst of a historic season.
However, it’s not all about winning for the squad.
“Our spring tournament we changed to PLNU Reach. It is an outreach-based tournament,” said Allen. “This year the team decided to support the fight against human trafficking. I wanted a way for our tiny team to make a big impact through capturing a bit of PLNU’s heart of serving others.”
The tournament name change alone has directly impacted 102 survivors. Coach Allen said their main goal is to “aid in the fight to bring hope, rescue and restore lives.”
The team’s next tournament is at the Cal Baptist Women’s Invitational in Corona, CA on February 22-23.
Through PLNU Reach, the women’s golf team not only challenge each opponent they face, but anyone they encounter with one simple question, “how far is your reach?”
Further information on their human trafficking outreach can be found on www.abolishhumantrafficking.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNUSEALIONS.COM
Add Comment