Montana State University
BIG SKY CHAMPIONSHIP
Women's Golf Ready for Big Sky Championship
4/18/2014 4:58:00 PM | Women's Golf
Mix of veterans, newcomers still bring experience to Ocotillo
Montana State Golf has made progress this year but they're ready for more. The Big Sky Championship caps off a season which began back in September of 2013 but the excitement leading up to three days of league play makes it worth it. The three-day, 54-hole tournament is slated to take place at Ocotillo Golf Club in Chandler, Ariz., a 6,272 yard, course.
"It's time to peak," said head coach Brittany Basye. "We've been working hard and it's time for all of this to really come together."
Basye has put her best five student-athletes out there and has high expectations. MSU returns Paige Crawford, last year's Big Sky Champion. Crawford was Montana State's first medalist since 1995 and also set two championship records with a 54-hole score of 208 (-8) and a single round score of 67.
This year, Crawford is averaging 79.22 per round, a team low, and is the most familiar with Ocotillo and she should come out playing with the previous three years' experience.
"I expect Paige to come out firing on all cylinders," Basye said. "This was her course last year and she's determined to play well again."
Janelle Reali, the team's only freshman, has been averaging the second lowest score with 79.57. Although it is her first time in Chandler, she should still be able to give the consistent play she's posted all year.
"Janelle has struggled course management, so this is a chance for her to improve" said Basye. "If she continues to hit greens, she can make pars and have a strong Big Sky Championship debut."
Kati Greear, now a sophomore and practically a seasoned veteran, has been playing in the number one spot on more than one occasion this spring. She placed 17th at the Jackrabbit Invitational and 11th at the Grizzly Invitational in the fall, marking her top two finishes of her second year in Blue and Gold.
"Her iron play has improved a lot, just in the last week," Basye said of Greear. "She, too, has the advantage of playing here before and so hopefully she'll continue to find her game here and have the scores to show it."
In a breakout year, junior Haylee Folkvord has truly stepped up to earn her spot in the top-five. Despite never playing at the Big Sky Tournament, she's averaged 84.30 per round.
"Despite having a higher average, I think Haylee can really lower that this week," her coach said. "Haylee has been tremendously coachable this year and it's paying off for her. She's determined to play well and she's been working hard on her short game."
Pamela Calderon Rojas rounds out the MSU roster. Playing as a scorer in all but one tournament, she is also ready to cap off a collegiate career in style. Averaging 84.57, Coach Basye knows that Rojas can bring that down and be a major contributor.
"Pam wants to perform her best ever, this is her last chance," she said. "If she goes out there and just plays her game, she has the potential to do well."
Based on the spring (323.09) and fall (319.17) averages, the Bobcats are ranked seventh of 11 teams headed into Sunday's opening round of play.
"This is it. This is where we need to play our best," Basye said. "All three rounds need to be strong, especially that first one to help set the tone. We need to stay positive, keep the course management under control and take it one shot, one hole at a time."
Beginning Sunday, April 20, 18 holes will take place each day, beginning at 9:30 a.m. MDT. The final round is slated for Tuesday at Ocotillo Golf Club. Live results will be available at www.golfstat.com
