With the 2024-25 NCC women’s golf season in the rearview mirror, the time of reflection has dawned as a season of growth for the women’s golf team.
How it happened
The season started with a second-place finish for the Cardinals at the Highland Championship. Leading the charge for NCC was Mallorie Clifton, ‘27, who placed third after matching the fifth-lowest 36-hole score in team history (153). This score tied an 18-hole personal best in Sunday’s first round. Clifton would continue a hot streak in Benedictine’s Fall Invite. Setting a new 18-hole scoring record, whose one-over-par score of 72 established a new all-time program standard.
At the CCIW preview the Cardinals finished fourth, proving themselves a contender. Next, they would attend the Midwest Region Classic and take 11th out of 33 teams. Aleksa Gizewicz, ‘27, led the Cardinals’ efforts with a score of 162 (79/83) to secure 39th. Following one stroke behind (78/85) was Clifton in a four-way-tie for 40th.
Chipping in: Insights and highlights
The Cardinals would take part in its final competition before this year’s CCIW Championship Friday and Saturday. In the Dechert Classic, they placed fourth out of eight teams. Madison Place, ‘28, lead the way with a fourth place finish out of 51 finishers with a total of 165(82/83).
Heading into the CCIW Championships, head coach Rachel Gray reflected on the performances that occurred during the season.
”Almost everyone on the team has had a career low or set a collegiate record. We set so many records in our season opener at Augustana- I wish I had the number of how many, but it was a lot. Low 18-hole team score, low 36. Low individual scores, Career lows. It was amazing! The more success we find, the more we want,” said Gray.
CCIW championships: A weekend to remember
Concluding the season, the Cardinals would finish 3rd in the CCIW Championships. The Cardinals finished with a team score of 981. As a result, this total ranks slightly behind the 944 scored by last year’s team in a fourth-place CCIW finish. Leading NCC with a 10th-place showing and earning All-CCIW honors was Anna Meinhart, ‘27. She opened play with a collegiate-best round of 76 Thursday and finished with a score of 240 (76/80/83) to post North Central’s sixth-lowest 54-hole total ever.
Following the conclusion of the season, Meinhart also reflected on the team’s performance this season.
“When there isn’t a tournament, the dedication of all the ladies at practice is truly inspiring. They put in countless hours at the driving range and on the putting/chipping greens, dialing down their skills. They are eager to showcase their hard work and talent on the course as part of North Central College Women’s Golf. Together, that’s how we work towards achieving our goals.” said Meinhart.
Lastly, Madison Place was also honored as one of the CCIW’s nine winners of its RESPECT Award for the season. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution and community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourage inclusiveness and a positive culture.
