Ball State Women’s Golf Team Moves Up Leaderboard at Puerto Rico Shootout
HUMACAO, PR – The Ball State women’s golf team had a significant day on Wednesday as they competed in the Puerto Rico Shootout at the Flamboyan Course of Palmas Del Mar Country Club. Seven out of the team’s nine players made notable gains on the leaderboard.
Strong Performances from Korthuijs and Driscoll
Leading the charge for the Cardinals was freshman Sophie Korthuijs, who improved her position by 10 spots, and junior Jasmine Driscoll, who climbed 21 spots. Korthuijs, who was named the MAC Women’s Golfer of the Week, delivered the best round for her team at +1 (73), moving her into a tie for 28th overall at +5 (149). Her round featured two birdies and 13 pars.
“Sophie played exceptionally steady golf today,” commented head coach Cameron Andry. “We’ve been impressed with her composure throughout the week.”
Driscoll bounced back from a disappointing first round, shooting +2 (74) in the second round, which included one birdie and 14 pars. This performance improved her overall score to +10 (154), placing her in a tie for 51st.
Sarah Gallagher Takes the Lead
Junior Sarah Gallagher led the Ball State competitors, finishing with her second consecutive round of +2 (74). This strong showing allowed her to rise four spots on the leaderboard, tying for 19th overall at +4 (148). Although Gallagher enjoyed four birdies and 11 pars, she faced challenges on two holes, combining for a +5 score.
“Sarah demonstrated remarkable mental resilience today,” Andry remarked. “Despite a double and a triple bogey, she managed to grind out a 74, which showcases her determination.”
Solid Contributions from Estravillo and Team
Also tying for 19th at +4 (148) was sophomore Jenna Estravillo, who matched the team’s best round with a score of +1 (73). Estravillo’s performance included three birdies and 12 pars, while her efforts moved her up 11 positions on the leaderboard.
“Jenna played another really solid round,” Andry noted. “She has developed into an exceptional player this season, with her confidence and composure growing significantly.”
Other Notable Efforts
The Cardinals’ additional players also had commendable rounds; sophomore Madelyn Young scored +3 (75), senior Payton Bennett shot a +5 (77), and senior Sabrina Langerak recorded a +6 (78). Each player ascended the leaderboard, with Young achieving the largest jump of 10 spots.
While Langerak and Bennett each managed three birdies, Young contributed two to the team’s performance.
Team Performance Overview
As a collective, the Cardinals concluded the day with a +15 (303), placing them tied for 10th in the 13-team field at +27 (603). UNCG continues to lead the tournament at +2 (578), while Ball State is just 15 strokes away from breaking into the top five. The individual leader of the tournament is Hannah Rabb from James Madison, who is at -5 (139).
“I was hoping for a stronger team performance today,” Andry expressed. “We recorded too many high scores, which is unusual for us. I’m optimistic for another chance on this course tomorrow; we left several opportunities behind today. We’re aiming to enhance our game and finish the week on a high note.”
Final Thoughts and Upcoming Round
The Cardinals excelled on the course’s par 5s, ranking fifth with an average score of 4.95 (-2) over the two rounds.
The final round of the Puerto Rico Shootout, hosted by Ball State, will commence with a shotgun start at 7 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. on Thursday, returning to the Flamboyan Course at Palmas Del Mar Country Club.
Ball State Results – Team
T19th – Sarah Gallagher: +4 (148): 74-74
T28th – Sophie Korthuijs: +5 (149): 76-73
T51st – Jasmine Driscoll: +10 (154): 80-74
T62nd – JJ Gregston: +12 (156): 74-82
T75th – Madelin Boyd: +17 (161): 76-85
Ball State Results – Individuals
T19th – Jenna Estravillo: +4 (148): 75-73
T40th – Madelyn Young: +8 (152): 77-75
T72nd – Payton Bennett: +16 (160): 83-77
T78th – Sabrina Langerak: +21 (165): 87-78
