Panthers swing through final meets

Author: Jake Cohen

As the 2006 spring season comes to a close, the men's and women's golf teams have once again found success. Two weekends ago, the men's squad ran into trouble at Skidmore, only to rebound at Williams the following week. The ladies continued their remarkable season, winning both of their last two tournaments at Amherst and Williams. But this historic season, certainly the best in the program's history, concluded with a punishing blow from the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee.

The women's team started the spring season in Jekyll Island, Ga. by finishing seventh of 21 teams spread across the nation. In their second and third of three tournaments, victory seemed inevitable as the Panthers hit with pinpoint accuracy and determination. At Amherst, Sally Hartman '06 and Captain Heather Gallagher '07 both shot 82 to take third overall, just two shots behind the lead. Karen Levin '08 and first-year sensation Julie Ellenberger followed suit with an 87 to capture 13th place, as the team captured the tournament.

On April 30, the team was invited to Williams College to compete in the Northeast District Shootout. Once again, triumph seemed destined. Ellenberger led the team with a remarkable 74 on the first day, a new course record. Her 77 on the second day gave her the margin needed to win her first, and likely not last, tournament for the Panthers. Gallagher and Levin finished with 171 and 172, respectively, giving Middlebury three top-10 finishes in the shootout.

One would think that two consecutive victories this spring season and two consecutive victories to end the 2005 fall season would separate a team from its competitors. Traditionally, the NCAA Selection Committee extends an invitation for the national competition to the two best teams in each region. As for the northeast region, Methodist University, an annual contender, received a bid. The final bid was the real prize for the winner of the Northeast Shootout, with regional juggernaughts Wellesley and Middlebury duking it out. Despite the Panther victory, the women were denied a bid.

According to the Selection Committee, a "team" consists of at least five players. Therefore, the women's team did not qualify since they were only competed with four players. But competing with only four players is a remarkable feat - only the top four scores of each team are counted in a tournament - Middlebury proved dominant with literally no room for error. "To find out that we had earned the pick but were being denied an invitation based on a technicality was disheartening to say the least," said Hartman, who will not be rewarded in her final year of strong competition. "We felt it was an even greater accomplishment to have essentially qualified for the championship based on our skill level and track record. But unfortunately, the rule won't be overturned this year."

The men's team was spared the frustration of technicalities this year. Rather, the frustration of inconsistent play from talented individuals plagued the outcome of the season. Performance at the Williams Invitation shed light on the future of the men's Panther squad. George Baumann '08 shot 74, one back from the leader, to clinch second place in the tournament. Sophomore Feb Harrison Bane shot a 79, followed by Jay Yonamine '06 (82), Michael McCormick '09 (84) and fellow sophomore Feb Jeff Patterson (88).

But only three players on the team averaged below 80 between the spring and fall seasons. Bane, Baumann and Bellmare - the links' killer Bs - have struggled to find consistency. Bane's low score was a 72 this fall, whereas his best score this spring sat at 75. Bellmare's best spring score was a 76, though the majority of his rounds were in the 80s. Baumann only shot two rounds under 80, though one was a 74.

Despite this capricious shooting, the team is optimistic for next year. "It was a tough spring for us," noted Bane. "We have our whole team returning next fall, all of whom have the talent to achieve our goals. It's a matter of grinding it out and working hard for our success."

Spring struggles aside, one thing is for sure - watch out next fall, NESCAC. Middlebury is coming with a vengeance and an unshakable determination for success.