Mallory Kent earns Cougar Cup victory
September 25, 2013
After two days on the course, the WSU women’s golf team took the 2013 Cougar Cup Tuesday, a winning drive led by senior golfer Mallory Kent.
Kent was consistent throughout the tournament even with the bad weather. On the first day she earned a score of 70 in each round for a total of 140 and four -under par; leading second-place was Lea Garner of Brigham Young University.
Coach Kelli Kamimura was impressed with her senior leader’s effort.
“I am extremely proud of Mallory, she’s stepped up her game and been a great leader her senior year,” Kamimura said. “She is dedicated and that’s an understatement.”
Kent contributed to the team as the Cougars finished first as a team, with help from junior Kristen Rue and sophomore Rachel Lewis, who also finished in the top-five with a score of 148 (+4).
The first day was essential to the team’s victory as they hit +12, 588, six strokes above Gonzaga.
“I’m really proud of the team,” Kamimura said. “(They) proved to be very adverse battling the heavy win on day one and the heavy rain on day two. We had a mindset to get things done, especially in our home turf.”
As the final round started Tuesday morning, the fight continued for the title. Kent came back on the second day of the tournament to score an even-par 72 to finish off at 212 and attain her second Cougar Cup win. She tied teammate Rue (2012) for best three round score in Cougar Cup history.
Rue also had a successful game, along with teammate Lewis who carded a 74 (+2), at a three-way tie for fourth with Gonzaga’s Ciera Min at 6-over, 222.
The team as a whole contributed to the end results with 22-over, 886, 12 shots above Gonzaga.
Rue and Lewis both carded at 74(+2), finishing at a three-way tie for fourth with Min at 6-over, 222. Junior Lindsay Harmon placed in a four-way tie for 14th at 230 (+14), while sophomore Nani Yanagi in her first career start, tied for 43rd at 237 (+21). Freshman Cherokee Kim competed as an individual in her collegiate debut and tied for 31st at 237(+21).
Kamimura said she is excited for what the season brings and the successes the team can obtain.
“We have a tough schedule hitting the road this week, every competition is the toughest competition we can find,” she said. “We are looking to go out and do our best by training well, week after week.”
With the first win, the Cougars hope to continue their great start to the season as they go on the road to play in the Rose City Collegiate Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Aurora, Ore.