Women’s Golf battles through tough conditions in Annapolis

Hugh Straine, Staff Writer

Bison Women’s Golf traveled to Annapolis this past weekend for the Navy Fall Invite.

Bucknell competed alongside Sacred Heart, Delaware State, Quinnipiac, Long Island University, Howard University, Monmouth, Fairleigh Dickinson, Mount St. Mary’s, William & Mary, Bryant University, Lehigh, La Salle and the Citadel along with Navy.

Coming off a home victory last weekend, it was a hope to continue the momentum for the Bison. Erin Drahnak ’26 definitely noticed the difference.

“The team seemed more confident and excited to play since we won last weekend,” Drahnak said.

It was a two day tournament with three different rounds. The conditions were surely not ideal, with rain and winds affecting the field all weekend.

Bucknell started the invitational off well, with a team score of 311 after round one. Paige Richter ’26 was the low Bison for the weekend, scoring a round one 76 (+4).

After starting the tournament at +4 through the first four holes, Richter was able to get used to the rough conditions and play the rest of her first round at even par. This was good for a T5 finish heading into day two.

The team did not strike as well on day two, finishing with a total of 335 as a team, good for a T11 finish out of 15 squads (+70 for the weekend) with the Bulldogs of Bryant University. 

Viveka Kurup ’25 had to sit out Saturday after her first round at 78, so the Bison were without one of their lowest women on day two. However, in the harsh playing conditions, Bucknell stayed calm and was able to play some good golf.

Drahnak, who played as an individual, was able to watch how her teammates dealt with and competed together in not-so-ideal weather.

“The team didn’t seem down because the weather was bad,” she said. “It was more like we all bonded from it and accepted that conditions weren’t going to be ideal.”

This past weekend was one of grit for the golf team, and they showed impressive perseverance battling through rain and winds all weekend. With only one more tournament remaining in the fall season, the Orange and Blue are continuing to click, and team chemistry is at an all time high.

Bucknell heads to Rehoboth Beach, Del. the weekend after this to close out the fall season at the Lady Blue Hen Invitational.

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