Feb. 15, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Notre Dame women’s golf team took part in an Alumni Weekend on Feb. 10 and 11 in Orlando, Fla. Current members of the Fighting Irish squad hit the links with former student-athletes and friends of the program for an enjoyable weekend.
On Saturday, Feb. 10 the group took to The Legends at Orange Lake Golf Course. The winning team consisted of former Irish golfers Allison Kucinski and Kathleen Nidiffer along with current golfers Noriko Nakazaki and Lisa Maunu.
Alicia Beers (Murray), Crissy Cloer (Klein) and Denise Bangasser (Paulin) were three other former Notre Dame golfers that competed in the event. They were joined by friends of the program, which included Lucky Luchsinger, Stephen Dibbs, Robert Anderson, Barry Nidiffer, Arnie Vance and Jerry Kruczek.
The format of the tournament had the current members of the Notre Dame squad playing their own ball, while the other tournament guests used the best drive off of the tee from any member of the foursome and they played their own ball from there. The two best scores per hole were counted.
A mini-reception took place after the round and awards were presented. It also was a great opportunity for everyone to socialize and support the Fighting Irish women’s golf program.
The Notre Dame women’s golf team would like to give special thanks to The Orlando Alumni Club along with Lucky Luchsinger, Stephen Dibbs and Robert Anderson for their donations to the program. Thanks also go to Brian Decker and The Legends at Orange Lake staff for their hospitality and to Janet Richardson of Captain’s Choice Golf Service’s Inc. for arranging the golfing needs for the team.
The Fighting Irish concluded the weekend with a dual match against Indiana on Sunday, Feb. 11. It was a head-to-head match play event in which six members of the Irish squad played against six members of the Hoosier team. The Fighting Irish prevailed 3 ½ to 2 ½. One point was given for a win and a half-point was awarded for a tie.
Nakazaki defeated Laura Nochta, 2 and 1, in the opening match. Indiana’s Kellye Belcher topped Maunu, 1 up, while Kristin Wetzel bested Lauren Harling by that same score.
Irish freshman Julie Kim fell to Amber Lindgren, 3 and 2. Fellow Notre Dame freshman Annie Brophy downed Kendal Hake, 2 up, and the Irish’s Alejandra Diaz-Calderon and Indiana’s Jenny Kim halved the final match to close out the event.
The weekend was very beneficial for the Irish, as they get ready to embark on the 2007 spring schedule. Notre Dame opens second-semester play at the Central District Classic in Parrish, Fla. on Feb. 19 and 20.
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