The Southwestern Spartans opened their spring golf season and shook off some rust. Opening up on a very familiar course, the Spartans competed well in the Graceland Invitational held at Mozingo Lake Golf Course in Maryville, MO. While competing in typical early-spring weather, the Spartans improved tremendously from day one to day two as they climbed the leaderboard.

"On Friday [day one] we were all a little disappointed," said Spartan Head Golf Coach Doug North. "Hole eight at Mozingo is an over-stimulating par three that really gave us fits. Ending the day in sixth was not what we wanted."

The Spartans were led by the duo of freshmen in Oliver Pearson and Jesper Holke-Farnam, finishing sixth and eighth respectively.

"This tournament has everybody even more excited for the opportunities ahead of us," stated North.

Spartan sophomore Hamish Brown had a great bounce-back round, improving by 10 strokes from day one to finish in a tie for 23rd.

On the women's side, the Spartans finished sixth of six in a field heavy with four-year schools. Southwestern improved by 35 strokes from day one to day two. The Spartans were led by freshman Bianca Findlay. In her first collegiate tournament, she started day two six strokes back and improved by five to finish in a solid second place and make the all-tournament team.

"This was Bianca's first tournament, and you could tell she was nervous, which I love," North explained. "She is happy with second, but not satisfied. This next tournament will be a big test for her."

North said all of the girls did well and improved.

Sophomore Sydney Goltl finished in a tie for 19th after a much improved day two score.

The Spartans will compete this coming weekend at the Iowa Central Spring Invite which will be the Women's Region XI Championship Preview tournament.

"Our season is here, so it is bang, bang, bang; we've got to reload and be ready to go," commented North. "There will be a lot of teams from our conference on Saturday, so this will be a great measuring stick. We will prepare and take care of the things we can take care of, starting at 5:45 tomorrow morning."