Women's golf prepares for first tournament of season

Women’s golf prepares for first tournament of season

By Brian Farrell, QBSN Staff Writer

Quinnipiac women’s golf is preparing to enter into a new age. After a pair of seasons where the Bobcats struggled to put together a competitive squad of experienced golfers, reigning NEC coach of the year, John O’Connor has the team he has been looking for.

The team will be lead by senior Kayla Ketcheson (St. Andrews, Manitoba) and two newcomers, Jenn Whaley (Farmington, Conn.) and Krissy Unger (New York, N.Y.). The two freshmen come to Quinnipiac with plenty of experience. Last year, Unger was the MET PGA Player of the Year. Whaley comes from a family rich with golf tradition. Her mother is a member of the LPGA, while her father is a member of the PGA.

While Kayla led the team last year, O’Connor expects her play to rise to a new level.

“She never had the competition on the team that she has this year. She is working hard on her game, she’s far more focused than she was last year, and she is excited to be a part of a good team.”

Last year was learning experience for Ketcheson, but more off the course.

“Last year’s team got me to really enjoy golf. Everyone was so supportive and as a leader I want that to carry over to this year.”

 Last year, success for the Bobcats was measured by positive attitudes and a desire to improve. This year things are different.

“We want to move way up in the rankings,” O’Connor said. “In the conference I’d like to see us in the top three.”

Yet, this new desire for winning has not replaced what makes this team so unique.

When asked why Whaley and Unger decided to come to Quinnipiac, both immediately pointed to QU’s team chemistry.

“Coach is so enthusiastic and before I came to school I met the girls once and they had so much fun comradery,” Unger said.

Tomorrow the Bobcats will travel to Towson for their first tournament of the fall season and there is one thing that sophomore Hannah Russell (Monson, Mass.) wants everyone to know.

“This year’s going to be a whole lot different.”

Stayed tuned for up to date results of the two day tournament on theqbsn.com.