The Kent State Women’s golf team traveled to Sunset, S.C., for the Clemson Invitational hosted by The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

The team finished with a solid performance after a slow start. The Flashes finished in seventh with a thirteen-over-par (877), highlighted by another great performance from junior Veronika Kedronova.

Kedronova finished in a tie for seventh on the individual leaderboard with a three-under-par (213). She has continued to impress with another top ten finish as she led Kent State in South Carolina. 

Senior Leon Takagi and sophomore Isabella Goyette had solid tournaments as they both recorded a three-over-par (219). They both finished in the top 25 and were crucial to the Flashes’ performance. 

Sophomore Petra Babicova finished the tournament with a 10-over-par (226) as she struggled in the first and second rounds. 

Finally, sophomore Gracie Larsen struggled in this tournament with a 20-over-par (236).

“We didn’t play our best overall for the tournament,” said coach Casey VanDamme. “But, considering the last day we moved up a little bit and beat some good teams, it was okay.”

Round 1

The Flashes got off to a middling start in round one. They finished with a four-over-par (292) and placed 11th on the leaderboard. 

Kedronova got things started for KSU with a three-under-par (69). Her performance was highlighted by an eagle on the 17th hole. She finished round one in seventh place among fierce competitors. 

Not far behind was Goyette, who recorded an even-par (72). She started off the tournament fairly strong, following Kedronova’s lead and placing 22nd on the individual board.

Takagi struggled in the first round with a three-over-par (75). The first round was difficult, but she still placed 62nd with two rounds to go. 

Babicova had a slightly harder time in the first round as she carded a four-over-par (76) and was the last scorer for the Flashes.

Larsen did not score for the team this round, shooting a nine-over-par (81).

The Flashes did not get the start they wanted amid such strong competition; however, the tournament was far from over.

Round 2

Struggles were had across the board by all competitors in the second round, including the Flashes who remained in 11th. This round, they shot a 10-over-par (298) as a team.

Kedronova continued her strong campaign with a one-over-par (73). She recorded her second eagle of the tournament on the second hole, though it was not enough to move the team up. She finished the round in eighth on the individual leaderboard. 

Goyette and Takagi both recorded a two-over-par (74). Goyette maintained 22nd place while Takagi improved to 44th.

“We need [Takagi and Goyette]. They’re great players,” said VanDamme. “Especially the last day, both of them did a great job.”

Babicova struggled in the second round as well, as she carded a five-over-par (77). She finished the round in 73rd.

Larsen’s score was dropped once again as she recorded a six-over-par (78), still a major improvement over round one despite the harsh conditions.

Round 3

The squad had their strongest round yet, jumping from 11th to 7th with a one-under-par (287) on the round. They moved up four places in the third round, with this round being the first that the team shot under par. 

Takagi had a great round with a two-under-par (70), marking her best round of the tournament. She shot up the leaderboard and ended in a tie for 25th.

Kedronova continued her dominance with a one-under-par (71) and finished the tournament in seventh place. 

The duo of Babicova and Goyette shot a one-over-par (73). Babicova finished the round in 57th, while Goyette tied with Takagi for 25th as individuals. 

Larsen’s score was dropped once again. However, she had he strongest round of the tournament as the Australian sophomore showed steady improvement over the three rounds. She carded a five-over-par (77) and finished the round in 83rd.

Despite a slow first couple of rounds, the third round was an impressive showing by the Flashes. Their final round was by far the strongest and demonstrated their dominance when they’re clicking as a team. 

“We want to play in the national championship, so that’s going to be a regional field, which you need to be in the top five for,” said VanDamme. “We didn’t quite get there, but I think all of our team knows that’s within reach.

Up Next

Kent State will travel to Columbus for the Therese Hession Buckeye Invitational at the OSU Golf Club for its final regular-season tournament. They will play April 17-18.

Kedronova will compete at the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament from April 1-4. The first two rounds will be played at the Champions Retreat Golf Club, with the final round at the Augusta National Golf Club. 

Luke Nedved is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].