By: Jason Ferro
SIOUX FALLS – Earlier today the NSIC released its 2022 Women's Golf Coaches' Preseason Poll and Players to Watch. The University of Sioux Falls was picked to finish 6
th in the conference and
Annie Balduzzi was named USF's Player to Watch.
Coming off a solid 2021-22 season which included two team victories and five top-10 finishes, the Cougars have been selected to finish 6
th in the conference per the Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Cougars return nearly all golfers from last season but will be without
Maggie Veenendall and
Marisa Weeks for the fall season due to injury. Their absence will provide more opportunities for freshman additions
Alissa Thorfinnson and
Emily Harste to get acclimated to the DII game.Thorfinnson comes from Minnewaska High School in Glenwood, MN, she will also join her sister Joelle on the USF Tennis team. Harste transferred from Briar Cliff and will play her senior season at USF where she will join her brother, Cole, who plays on the Men's Golf team.
"Maggie and Marisa being out this fall isn't an excuse for us, instead it's an opportunity for our returners to step up and for our freshmen to gain valuable experience," said Head Coach Wade Merry, "With the extensive playing time for Annie, Maddi, Savannah, and Ashley last year plus the work they did on their own this summer, this team has a good chance to be highly competitive this year."
Balduzzi was named USF's Player to Watch after her three top-10 finishes in 2021-22. The senior improved her strokes-per-round average by two strokes to bring her to just under 85 per. She also placed top-five twice and shot a season best 79 at the Augustana Easter Lily Invitational en route to a 7
th place finish.
"We expect big things from Annie this season, there is a leadership role on the course that needs to be filled and we know Annie has what it takes. It'll be exciting to watch her grow into that role and see where she can take this team. She improved her own scores last year and I anticipate that will continue."
The Cougars will play in five tournaments during the fall season beginning with the Central Region Fall Preview in Blue Springs, MO on September 6
th and 7
th. USF will also host a tournament for the first time in a long time with the USF Invitational teeing off on October 10
th and 11
th at The Falls Golf Course in Larchwood, IA.
For more information and updates on everything Cougar Golf, be sure to follow The Coo on Instagram
@USiouxFallsGolf and Twitter
@USiouxFallsGolf.
