Ardmore, OK – The Indian Hills Women's Golf squad, ranked No. 12 in the nation, opened its spring campaign with an impressive runner-up finish at Bruzzy's Spring Fling at the Dornick Hills Golf & Country Club. The Warriors were led by freshman Joska Nelis' (Haarlem, Netherlands/Lyceum Sancta Maria) first-place individual finish.
The Warriors put together an impressive second round on Tuesday to pull within striking distance of first-place Tyler Junior College (TX). Indian Hills placed second overall among the five-team field consisting of top junior college programs after posting round scores of 349-344-693 (+117). The Warriors' second round score of +56 was the lowest round of the day.
Competing for the first time since October 22, Nelis powered the Warriors in their spring opener with the freshman's second medalist honor of the year. Nelis finished the two-day, 36-hole event with a 20-over, 164. Nelis was one of just two individuals to finish a round in the 70's after firing a second-round best 79 on the final day of competition. Nelis tallied 18 pars throughout the event while adding a birdie in the opening round.
The Warriors saw three individuals crack the top-10 as freshman Veronica Rodriguez (Santiago, Chile/Liceo A-1310 Buin) posted a 25-over, 169 to place fourth overall for the Warriors. Rodriguez posted round scores of 84-85 for her third top-10 finish of the year.
Sofia Saavedra (Barquisimeto, Venezuela/Dawere International) placed ninth overall in the individual standings for the Warriors with 36-over, 180. Saavedra shaved off six strokes on the final day to crack the top-10 for the first time this season.
Fellow freshman Taylor Pacheco (Chula Vista, CA/Olympian) tied for 11th overall for the Warriors with a 38-over, 182 while Bella Santesteban (Lewisville, TX/Lewisville) placed 17th with a 44-over, 188.
Nelis, ranked 29th in the nation in the latest Scoreboard Powered by Clippd national rankings, has now collected two medalist honors after opening both the fall and spring campaigns with top honors. The freshman has earned five top-10 finishes, including four consecutive events inside the top-eight.
The Warriors return to action March 24 at the Ozarks National Invitational in Hollister, MO.
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