Victory in the valley: Trailblazer Spring Invitational
Blythe Barrineau, Sports and Visual Arts Editor
Photo by Blythe Barrineau
The North Greenville University men’s and women’s golf teams wrapped up this year’s Trailblazer Spring Invitational on March 24. Cherokee Valley Course and Club hosted teams from all over the Southeast and featured both men and women. Both teams had strong performances that are setting them up for success for the rest of the season.
On the men’s side, NGU’s A Team finished third overall with a score of 592 (+16). The Trailblazers were led by freshman Nolan Witham, who brought home the men’s individual title. He opened the tournament with a 71 and followed up day two with a 73 allowing him to finish with an even-par.
Behind Witham, the Trailblazers saw consistency from freshman Vinny Esposito, who tied for eighth place after shooting rounds of 75 and 73. Jaelan Fisher also finished in a tie for 10th with a two-day total of 149.
NGU’s B team men placed fifth with a score of 618 (+42). Jake Shuford, senior, led the B team and finished tied for 13th with a 150 (+6).
“It was a great way to end the regular season,” Shuford said. “I was really proud of my performance in the last home tournament.”
For the women, the A team finished second overall with a 644 (+68) putting together a consistent performance for both rounds. The group stayed within striking distance throughout the tournament and finished only seven strokes behind women’s team tournament champions, Christian Brothers University.
Nikki Strandell led the way for the women, securing a runner-up individual finish. Strandell stayed near the top of the leaderboard throughout the 36-hole event, shooting 78 and 80.
“It was nice to take a second place finish not only as a team but as an individual, especially for my last time playing at Cherokee,” said Strandell.
She was joined in the top 10 by teammates Brenna Miller, Kate Matthews and Kaitlyn Hagler.
NGU’s B team followed with a fourth place finish at 130 over par, continuing to build experience and confidence in a competitive setting.
Gracie Lee led the B team with rounds 88 and 84 placing her just outside the top 10, tied for 12th.
Both NGU programs showed a strong performance despite the windy and cold conditions. The women’s team ends their season at the Grand Harbor Classic March 30-31, before transitioning to a postseason focus with the Conference Carolinas Championship April 12-14.
The men ended their season with the Trailblazer Spring Invite and will be focused on their Conference Carolinas Championship Tournament April 19-21.
