SMU Golf

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Shawn Stimmel will be the first to admit that he didn't know what to expect from his Saint Mary's University women's golf team when the Cardinals teed it up Saturday for the opening round of the UW-Eau Claire Invitational.

Now he does.

The Cardinals gave their first-year head coach a season-opening round to remember, as SMU fired a 353 — the second-lowest 18-hole round in school history — and were sitting 12th after the first day of the two-day event.

And then followed that up with a second-day 356 — the third-lowest 18-hole score in school history.

The end result? A school-record 709 two-day total and a 13th-place finish in the 20-team field.

"It was a good start to the season," said Stimmel. "I was very encouraged by the way the ladies played.

Katie O'Connor (Orland Park, Ill.) led the Cardinals' charge, firing an 86-87—173, while Katelyn Rizzi (Austin, Minn.) tallied an 88-88—176. Caty Beel (Tucson, Ariz.) chipped in a 87-90—177, followed by Angie Christiansen (West Salem, Wis. / 93-91—184) — whose second-day round was highlighted by an eagle 3 on the par-5 16th hole — and Val Meschke (Pine River, Minn. / 92-100—192).

"We got the season off on the right foot, that's for sure," said Stimmel. "We got a chance to see seven other MIAC schools, which will certainly be helpful as the season progresses.

"Everyone seemed pretty happy with their efforts, but the encouraging thing was, they weren't satisfied — they all know they can play better."