Gallagher Sits Third After Opening Day of MAC Championships

GROVE CITY, Ohio - - Sophomore Sarah Gallagher set the pace for the Ball State women's golf team, and nearly the entire field, Sunday afternoon in the opening round of the 2024 Mid-American Conference Championships.

"Sarah played spectacular golf on a challenging golf course," head coach Cameron Andry said. "Overall, I was proud of the way we battled and hung in there."

Gallagher finished the opening 18 at the Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City, Ohio, at +1 (73) and is currently third overall among the 50-golfer field. The effort counted birdies on five holes, tying for the event lead, including a string of three in four holes on the opening nine.

She also ended her round with a clutch birdie on the par 5, 485-yard 18th, chipping her third shot within 10 feet and sinking the ensuing putt to give the Cardinals some momentum heading into tomorrow's second round.

Overall, Gallagher lead all players in the field on the course's par 4s, playing them at a combined -1 (3.90). The effort has the Gallagher within two strokes of the Championships' co-leaders Veronika Kedronova and Leon Takagi of Kent State who finished the day at -1 (71).

Sophomore Jasmine Driscoll finished the round second on the squad and is currently tied for 26th overall at +8 (80). Her day on the par 72, 6,201-yard course included 10 total pars.

Up next for the Cardinals was senior Kiah Parrott who rallied from a tough start to par the final 11 holes and finish the day tied for 33rd at +9 (81).

"Kiah played great golf after a very rough start," Andry said. "Jasmine hung in there on the back nine as well."

Rounding out the day for the Cardinals were junior Sabrina Langerak at +11 (83) and freshman JJ Gregston at +14 (86). Each would tally a birdie on the day, with Langerak's coming on the par 4, 320-yard fifth and Gregston's coming on the par 5, 475-yard ninth.

As a team, Ball State finished the day seventh among the 10-team field with a score of +29 (317). However, BSU is only seven strokes out of the top three and 12 back of second. Kent State leads the tournament at +8 (296), while Toledo is second at +17 (305).

"As a team, we made too many big numbers today," Andry added. "When we made mistakes, we compounded them on too many occasions which led to some big numbers. However, I know we can clean a few thigs up and make a move tomorrow."

The Cardinals second round will begin at 10:20 a.m. Monday back on the opening hole at the Pinnacle Golf Club.

BALL STATE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS AFTER DAY 1
3. Sarah Gallagher - +1 (73)
T26. Jasmine Driscoll - +8 (80)
T33. Kiah Parrott - +9 (81)
T38. Sabrina Langerak - +11 (83)
T45. JJ Gregston - +14 (86)

TEAM STANDINGS AFTER DAY 1
1. Kent State - +8 (296)
2. Toledo - +17 (305)
3. Northern Illinois - +22 (310)
T4. Central Michigan - +27 (315)
Bowling Green - +27 (315)
6. Akron - +28 (316)
7. Ball State - +29 (317)
8. Western Michigan - +31 (319)
9. Ohio - +33 (312)
10. Eastern Michigan - +34 (322)

Gallagher Sits Third After Opening Day of MAC Championships

Players Mentioned

Jasmine Driscoll

Sarah Gallagher

JJ Gregston

Sabrina Langerak

Kiah Parrott

Related Videos