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Sub-par finish not disappointing for graduates

Caitlin Jennings

Cheryl Beech and the Mustangs women’s golf team are experiencing a new feeling after playing in the 2009 Canadian University and College Championship at King’s Forest Golf Course last month — going home empty handed.
After winning their fourth Ontario University Athletics championship in a row, the Mustangs turned in a disappointing performance finishing eighth with a cumulative score of +179.
“My expectation was to be one of the top five teams at the tournament,” newly minted head coach Chris Dickson said. “Obviously we fell a little short of that but I still feel that the girls played extremely well. They played hard and that’s all I can ask for.”
Beech was impressive in the final tournament of her university career, leading the Mustangs by shooting a 242, landing her in a tie for 13th overall on the leader board at +26.
“Overall it was definitely one of my better, more consistent displays,” Beech said. “It was my last one so I wanted to go in with an upbeat attitude and enjoy every minute, regardless of how I played.”
Captain Lisa Boyko posted the next best score for the Mustangs, shooting a +46 and finishing 32nd overall. She was followed by Jennifer Mound (+52), Caitlin Jennings (+57) and Stephanie Grenier (+61).
The tournament was an emotional experience for the team, as it marked the final time playing together for the tight-knit group, with four of the five girls not returning next year.
“[The most important thing] is that we all had a great time at the tournament with each other,” Boyko said. “Even though we may not have played our best, I think that we will certainly have happy memories from the tournament.”
Beech agreed, adding the positive attitude around the team helped her battle through some tough patches in her game.
“We wanted to play well but it was the last collegiate tournament for four of the five of us, so we wanted to enjoy it and have fun together … regardless of our standing in the tournament,” Beech said.
The Mustangs now go back to the drawing board for the summer and return next season under Dickson, looking to earn their fifth OUA title in a row.
“Next year the team is going to have quite the makeover — it will be interesting to see what [it] brings,” the now former Mustang Beech said. “I think that the competitive experience our new coach brings and our reputation as a winning team will keep Western golf on top of the leader board.”
Dickson agreed, admitting it will be tough to make up for the talent moving on after the 2008/2009 season while asserting that he remains excited for the challenge.
“In general our team has a lot of potential. I’m really looking forward to the drive for five.”

Cheryl Beech

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