Beavins Wins as Trojans Roll in Season Opener

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – It didn't take long for Ellie Beavins to make a her mark for the 18th-ranked Taylor women's golf team as the freshman notched a victory in her collegiate debut, leading the Trojans to a dominant team win in the process.

Beavins entered Tuesday's final round tied atop the leaderboard following an opening round 73. The Franklin, Ind., native took care of business with a final round 74 to finish two shots clear of teammate Nicole Jung for the individual title. Beavins offset five bogeys on Tuesday with birdies on the par-4 tenth, par-4 13th, and par-5 16th en route to her 2-over par 74.

Taylor began Tuesday's final round clinging to a slim three shot lead over Saint Francis with Huntington lurking at five shots back. Winds gusting at 15 to 20 miles-per-hour made the 5,863-yard, par-72 layout of Brookwood Golf Club a challenging tour during the final round but the young Trojan squad responded.

The Trojans pulled away from the pack during the final round to roll to a 26-shot victory with a two-round total of 608 (310-298). Saint Francis finished in a distance second place at 634 (313-321) followed by Indiana Tech at 641 (325-316) and Huntington at 649 (315-334).

The victory marked the fifth consecutive season in which the Trojans have claimed a win in their season opener.

Freshman Sabrina Langerak matched the low round of the day with a 1-over par 73 to lead Taylor's second round charge. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native made four birdies on Tuesday and played the par-5's at 2-under par. Langerak's two-round total of 153 (80-73) earned the freshman a spot on the all-tournament team with a tie for fifth place.

Fifth-year senior Nicole Jung added a 74 for TU during the final round. The All-American saw a number of putts miss by the slimmest of margins but still managed a runner-up finish with a two-round total of 149 (75-74).

Freshman Ellie Karst carded a 77 during the final round. The Noblesville, Ind., native carded birdies on the par-3 11th and the par-5 16th en route to a 13th place finish at 159 (82-77).

Sophomore Elizabeth Kemper rounded out TU's scoring with a second round 80. Kemper finished in a tie for 17th place at 164 (84-80).

Competing as an individual, junior Kailey Behrens earned a spot on the all-tournament team with a two-round total of 153 (77-76). The Fort Wayne, Ind., native produced the highlight of the day in round one with a chip-in eagle on the par-5 16th and the fireworks continued on the back nine for Behrens in round two as she tallied four birdies en route to a 1-under par 35. Behrens finished tied for fifth place and her final round 76 was tied for the fifth best final round in the field.

Sophomore Kirsten Schrock tallied an 82 to finish in a tie for 17th place at 164 (82-82) while freshman Alyssa Schmidt added a final round 87 to finish in 19th place with a two-day total of 165 (78-87).

Taylor will return to action this weekend as the Trojans host the Players Club Invitational on Friday and Saturday. Friday's action is scheduled to begin with a 1:00 pm shotgun start.