After coming in 2nd place at the Empire 8 Championships for two consecutive years, the Suffolk women’s golf team is looking to stay hot. The Rams got going at the right time too, as the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) championship approaches on Oct. 21. Last year the Rams won the NEIGA championship and this year they have no plans on doing anything but that.
First team all conference golfer Aine Dillon has been and will be a big part of the success of the women’s golf team. She also grew up near Captains Golf Course, the course for the NEIGA Championships. With Dillon on familiar terf and the rest of the team playing well, the Rams believe they can have a repeat year with another win. With the tournament getting closer and closer, Dillon and the rest of the team have remained focused, as they know exactly how they need to prepare.
“We are going to practice on the course the day before the tournament. Additionally, we are doing a lot of short game practice so we feel comfortable around the greens,” said Dillon in a recent interview with The Suffolk Journal.
Preparing for the NEIGA Championship will take a lot of work, but each golfer is willing to do whatever is necessary. While winning the championship will not be easy, Suffolk’s first place finish last year has also instilled confidence within the team. Brooke Chapman, who finished with a 2nd team all conference accolade last year, looks to get the same results.
“The NEIGA Championship will not be easy, but we have all improved this year. I have no doubt that we will remain champions this year,” said Chapman in a recent interview with The Journal.
The team has made great strides from where they were last year, and their recent top three placing at the past two tournaments reflects that. Head coach Joseph Parker and the team are only in their second varsity year but they have already exceeded expectations.
“In comparison to last year, the team has improved by an average of 30 strokes. This is motivation to keep getting better and that is very key for the girls,” said Parker in an interview with The Journal.
The refinement from the team should come as no surprise, as the team practices every day of the week. At the same time, the team is very close off the field, which makes golfing much easier when it comes time for a tournament.
“The team roots and pushes for each other very hard. They are all sisters,” said Parker.
Being that close means sticking with your teammates regardless of how the season is going. With a season that has had both ups and downs, the team has always been there to support each other. As a captain, McKenzie McGrath has played a big role in keeping the team in the right mindset.
“There are some days where one of us may not play our best, but we know that our teammates will be there to pick us up,” said McGrath in an interview with The Journal.
With the season wrapping up and the NEIGA Championship in sight, the team plans on capitalizing on the strengths they have built up over the past year. Each and every time out, a big strength for the team is believing in themselves.
“Our biggest strength is our will to win and bounce back. We are all confident in our abilities and it will show when we get on the course,” said McGrath.
When the team does get back on the course, they will be giving it their all. With each golfer on the same page and level of work ethic, another tournament win is the only outcome the team is focused on.
“Going forward with the NEIGA Championship, we will continue to push each other to do better and support each other the way every team should,” said Chapman.
