By Andrew Watson ~ Guest Writer
Emily Brubaker and Coach Veverka celebrating during the third round of the ODAC Championship. Photo courtesy of Lynchburg Sports and Caroline Gerke
The University of Lynchburg’s Women’s Golf team concluded the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament on Sunday in rainy and difficult conditions. But that did not stop the Hornets from completing one of their lowest rounds of the season during the most important tournament.
Going into the tournament, which took place in Crozet, Virginia at Old Trail Golf Club, Emily Brubaker and the Hornets planned to stick to their overall goals for the season. Brubaker stated “A lot of our goals were to just have fun and work on lowering the amount of missed shots.”
This focus on having fun translated directly into lowering the number of missed shots. According to the ODAC website, the Hornets earned a 320.1 scoring average per round over the course of the season. This mark places second in the history of the program, only behind the 2021-2022 season.
The team this season was led by an experienced group of juniors: Brubaker had the fourth lowest scoring average in the conference, earning her third consecutive All-ODAC First Team honor. Emily Erickson and Gracie Cannon also both played huge roles in the overall success of the team this season.
Brubaker cited the famous quote, “Actions speak louder than words.” She said, “Throughout this year, I have tried to act how I would want others to act. It has been nice to see the team not only as a player, but now someone others look up to.”
Sophomore Emma Nicol and first-year pair Lily Rowe and Gabbie Hollberg were a strong complement to the experienced squad. As all three finished their tournament with a final round of 76, earning each of them top 15 finishes in the individual portion of the tournament. Hollberg also earned an all-conference honor as she landed on the third team.
Hollberg was focused on the future as she secured the all-conference honor. She stated, “It gives me a goal to set for next year along with my following seasons to come.”
Although the first-year focused on the future, she also had a chance to reflect on her first collegiate season. Hollberg stated “I think as a team we helped each other grow both on and off the course.” This growth helped the Hornets to earn the lowest three round total in the ODAC tournament in program history.
Overall, the Hornets finished second behind the Generals of Washington and Lee, but showed plenty of character, as they hung with the tenth ranked team according to GolfStat.com.
After this strong showing, Brubaker and the Hornets are already focused on improving moving into next season. Brubaker stated “I think we will really find our groove next year. Overall, we have a solid team and I feel really good about next season.”
Hollberg also reflected on the experience that she gained this season, as she stated “I think as a team we helped each other grow both on and off the course.”
For more information about the University of Lynchburg’s Women’s golf team, visit the University’s athletics website.
