The Sacred Heart University’s women’s golf team finished third in the Battle at the Creek tournament on Sept. 16-17 at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The Pioneers tied for third place alongside Bucknell University, both posting a team score of 959, 107 over par. Mount St. Mary’s finished first in the tournament, posting a team score of 954, 102 over par.
The Pioneers were led by senior Maya Robilio, who finished the tournament with a score of 227, 14 over par.
Senior Maya Robilio in action at SHU’s Spring Break
Invitational last March.
Instagram, @sacredheartwgolf
“Of course every tournament I want to win, but that’s just not possible,” said Robilio. “All I can do is have confidence and faith in my hard work and just put up a score and own it at the end of the day.”
She claimed her second career medalist honors at the Battle of the Creek by shooting a 74, 77 and a final-round 76. Robilio was the only golfer at the tournament that posted three rounds with scores of 77 or better.
“Maya worked hard this summer at Great River [Golf Club] to get her game into shape, and it paid off at this event,” said Head Coach Matthew McGreevy.
McGreevy is entering his 17th year coaching the Pioneers and credits the players and their experience for remaining level-headed when facing the pressure of tournaments, such as Battle at the Creek.
“We try to instill a calm competitiveness in our players. They all have a decorated resume coming into college, and we try to get them to remember that when they go out and represent Sacred Heart,” said McGreevy.
Senior Jensie Nichols and freshman Nahia Paulerena both secured top 10 placements at the tournament, finishing tied for seventh and tied for 10th place, respectively.
In addition to Robilio, Nichols and Paulerena, junior Jessie Burch and freshman Maite Cantu tied for 27th, while freshman Lauren Ogrodowicz tied for 29th place. Rounding out the Pioneers were senior Emma Preissing and graduate student Ashley Moynahan, who tied for 44th and placed 47th, respectively.
The team’s placement is an improvement on their performance in the SHU Fall Classic on Sept. 10, where the Pioneers finished off fourth place.
“We are a young team and are working on chemistry at the beginning of the season. I am happy at the progress the team has made in a short time,” said McGreevy
The Pioneers look to step forward again as the season progresses, aiming to perfect their craft and perform well at the upcoming tournaments.
“My goals for after the Battle at the Creek is to continue working hard,” said Robilio.“I want to keep chasing that feeling of accomplishment that I felt at the tournament, and it’s been a motivating factor for me.”
The Pioneers compete next on Oct. 6-7 at the Normanside Country Club in Delmar, N.Y., for the Great Danes Invitational hosted by the University at Albany.
Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.
