With encouragement from family & friends, Noblesville’s own Caroline Whallon finishes in top 30
By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – The NCAA Division II East Regional ended in a tough way for the University of Indianapolis women’s golf team, but in the big picture, the Greyhounds have much to celebrate.
UIndy was battling with Findlay University Wednesday at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel for the regional championship. The two teams finished the third round tied, with both totaling scores of 905 after 54 holes of golf. The championship was decided by a one-hole playoff, which Findlay won.
The top five teams at the East regional advance to the NCAA Division II National tournament, which takes place later this month. UIndy has qualified for nationals every year since 2012.
“It feels great,” said Greyhounds freshman and Noblesville graduate Caroline Whallon. “Definitely it’s a tough ending, so it’s putting a sour taste on it. But, waking up tomorrow, overall it’s going to be a really good feeling knowing that in two weeks we’ll be back in Florida for nationals.”
Whallon finished her third round with a 79, giving her a score of 234 for the tournament. She made three birdies during her last 18 holes, which gave her a total of six for the entire event.
“It was just getting the ball in the hole,” said Whallon. “At the end of the day, keeping it simple.”
Whallon tied for 23rd individually, one of four Greyhounds players in the top 30. Anci Dy led UIndy by tying for third; her total score was 226. Matilda Cederholm finished tied for 11th with 231; that included a hole in one during her third round. Jess Haines tied for 29th with 236.
Macey Brown totaled an 82 for the first day, then Ava Ray subbed in for the tournament’s last two days. She scored a 72-74=146.
Since Prairie View is right down the road from Noblesville, Whallon had neighbors and friends, in addition to family, out there to cheer her on.
“They were able to come watch and support, which meant a lot to me,” said Whallon.
The Division II women’s golf championship will take place May 21 to 25 at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, Fla., a suburb of Orlando. The team will have the day off today, but will be getting back to practice soon.
“I think we’re going to ease our way back into practice, but we’re going to practice hard, practice a little bit of everything to make sure we’ll be ready,” said Whallon.
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