Duquesne Women’s Golf Team at the Lehigh Invitational
The Duquesne University women’s golf team is gearing up for the Lehigh Invitational this weekend in Bedminster, N.J. Their tee times are set for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, and again on Sunday, October 26.
Recently, the Dukes placed fifth out of ten teams at the Red Flash Invitational. They scored a total of 620 over 36 holes, showcasing their progress after a month-long break from competition. This weekend serves as the final event of their fall season, with two tournaments in quick succession.
Standout Performances
Sophomore Sasha Petrochko excelled at the Red Flash Invitational, tying for first place. She matched her previous season score of 148 but was edged out in a playoff by Victoriah Kuranga from Towson. Freshman Lilly Powell made waves too, securing her first top-10 finish by tying for eighth place with a score of 153.
Petrochko has made a significant impact in her career, achieving eight top-10 finishes in just 11 tournaments. This includes four in the top five, illustrating her consistency and skill.
Setting New Standards
Duquesne is making strides in its second season of NCAA Division I competition. The team recorded its best score ever in a 36-hole event at the Red Flash Invitational and performed well at the Bucknell Fall Invitational.
Notably, Petrochko was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team last season and was the only athlete to earn Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week five times. Senior Lindsey Powanda also shone last season, finishing second for the team with a round average of 79.3.
New Additions and Coaching Changes
The team has welcomed two new recruits this season: Ashley von Behren, a two-time Idaho state champion, and Powell, who qualified for her state championship throughout her high school years.
Head coach Colleen Meyers is entering her second season at Duquesne. She brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as an assistant coach at Carnegie Mellon and head coach at Oakland Catholic High School.
Historical Context and Home Course
Women’s golf gained a foothold at Duquesne in April 2022, joining triathlon and acrobatics and tumbling. The team practices at Sewickley Heights Golf Club, a course with a rich history, having hosted prestigious events like the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 1966.
Upcoming Tournament Details
The Lehigh Invitational will feature 15 teams, including Fairfield, Navy, Penn, and Rutgers, among others. The competition takes place at the National Golf Club Bedminster, a scenic 6,153-yard, par 72 course.
For those interested, stay updated on the Duquesne women’s golf team via their Twitter account and Instagram.
