Earlier this week, the Waynesburg University women’s golf team finished fifth out of five teams through two rounds of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championships, which were held in Vienna, Ohio at Avalon at Squaw Creek Golf Club.

The Yellow Jackets had four golfers compete and finish throughout the 24-woman field. Sophomore Deanna Nagel finished a team-high 14th place through two rounds. Head coach Sam Jones was happy with Nagel’s first day success.

“She had a pretty good first round,” Jones said. “It was her best one of the year, so I was pleased with that. We gave her a goal and she actually hit the goal right on.”

Jones said that Nagel struggled a little bit on the second day, but he is encouraged for what she can do in the future.

“The second day she was a little frustrated, a shot here and a shot there but that is the game of golf,” said Jones. “Overall, I was pleased with her performance and it’s great to have her on the team.”

The other three women that took to the course this week were freshman Samantha Pero, senior Patience Yopb and senior Reagan Zeppernick who finished 21st, 22nd and 24th, respectively.

Jones believes that they all played well but can continue to improve.

“All three of them are great attitude kids,” said Jones. “They show up and work, they’re trying to get better at the game of golf which is all we can ask of them. They are all returning from last year, but last year’s season was shortened by a bunch of different variables. Two of the three just joined in the spring and so for all three of them this was their first crack at the PAC Championships as a team.”

With the way the PAC designs its golf schedule, the season is split into a fall and a spring season. Therefore, the Jackets will have time to continue to improve before the weather warms up.

During the winter, Jones hopes to see the women utilize the simulation room that the golf teams have available in the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse.

“We have the simulation room, obviously, we only have a certain number of weeks where we can require stuff, but I know all of the girls are very active in heading down to the sim room and trying to get better,” said Jones.

When the season resumes in the second semester, the Yellow Jackets will have a few invitationals before the final round of the PAC Championships. Jones believes the spring should be a big step for the women’s golf team as the Jackets are continuing to grow and develop.

“I was pleased with all four girls, two of them had pretty good first days and not horrible second days,” said Jones. “They are working hard at the game of golf and we’re improving so that is good to see. They continue to grow and understand the game of golf.”