The Suffolk women’s golf team swept the Northeast Women’s Golf Conference weekly awards for the second time this season.

Senior Ellie Yarbrough took home Golfer of the Week honors and freshman Brooke Bugajewski won Rookie of the Week Oct. 4.

This is the second time this season the Rams have swept the weekly awards this fall and sets a program record for weekly accolades in a year with five. 

These accolades come after the golfers’ weekend performances at the NWGC Fall Invitational and the NWGC Fall Classic. Both events took place at the Tekoa Country Club in Westfield, Massachusetts. 

At the Sept. 30 invitational, Yarbrough claimed third overall, one stroke behind two first place finishes, while Bugajewski came in eighth. At the classic Oct. 1, Yarbrough shot six over par and won individual medal honors. Meanwhile, Bugajewski shot 11 over-par and came in third. 

This is the third NWGC accolade Bugajewski has received this year and already makes her the most decorated freshman in regards to weekly awards.

“I’ve been working really hard, especially over the summer so I could compete at the collegiate level. Going in I was pretty nervous because it’s a big transition but it’s been going well. It means a lot to be honored a couple times,’’ said Bugajewski.

For Yarbrough, this was the third occasion she had won the NWGC Golfer of the Week award and the first time since April. Yarbrough was also very appreciative of the recognition. She said this award acts as a big confidence booster, especially at this point of the season. 

Both golfers emphasized the importance of maintaining a level-headed mindset when on the course. 

Yarbrough said how easy it can be to fall into rabbit-holes on the course when struggling so she has worked hard on refining those key mental skills. She also said that the game of golf comes with a lot of ebbs and flows so she tries not to get too high or low.

Bugajewski said despite some early collegiate success, she doesn’t let it get to her head.

“You can’t get over excited about it. You can’t build an ego because every week is different, every course is different. I just wanna stay level-headed when I’m playing,” said Bugajewski. 

When it came to the golfer’s technical work, they stressed the importance of work around the green, including chipping and putting. This something that they had worked diligently on in practice and head coach Joseph Parker made a point of. 

With the many stressors that golfers run into on the course, both golfers make a point to focus themselves when playing. 

“Once you start thinking ‘Oh that girl’s doing so good, she’s in the zone’ you’ll start to get in your own head. There’s nothing you can do. It’s not like basketball or something where you can steal the ball away from them,” said Bugajewski.

She also said that once you start playing against the course instead of any other golfer, it becomes much easier to stay centered. 

Yarbrough said she does her best to stay present and in the moment when she’s on the course. In her senior season, she said she is “soaking it all in” when it comes to competing and being with her teammates. 

Both golfers also noted how the talent and camaraderie this team has is special. 

Yarbrough said it is a very accountable and supportive group that feeds off each other. They’re able to have fun and goof off when appropriate, but when it’s time to practice everyone is ready to work.

Bugajewski said she had never been in an environment where everyone was this dedicated. 

“It’s great to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. If you’re having an issue most likely they’ve been through it too whether it’s with your swing or mental aspect. Everyone’s there to help each other,” said Bugajewski. 

Yarbrough and Bugajewski have strong belief in this group and are optimistic they can reach the NCAA championship in the spring. Individually, both golfers are determined to have consistent finishes in the 70s when their season resumes,

The Rams wrapped up the fall portion of the season at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Championships Oct. 14. They placed fifth overall.