VIDEO: Jessica Shepley Interview
VIDEO: Caroline Nemes Interview
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Carson-Newman women's golf team looks to build on early momentum and compete at a high level at the Battle at Hilton Head on Monday at the Robert Trent Jones golf course.
The Eagles finished 3rd in the first event of the spring at the Spring Kickoff despite windy conditions and a competitive field. Head coach Jessica Shepley applauds her team's performance despite the subpar playing conditions.
"It was very windy," Shepley said. "There were sections of the golf course that were pretty tight, and you really had to place your tee shot. I was really proud of the girls… We had a lot of conversations in the practice round and even after the first day about how we were going to play… We started the tournament well, which helped with confidence."
A large part of the C-N's success in the event was junior Caroline Nemes, who led the Eagles with a 9-ove finish, tying for 7th at the end of the event. In 12th place after day one, Nemes used a strong final 18 holes to climb into the top ten.
"I knew our team needed us the next day," Nemes said. "I knew I needed to keep my cool and make sure I was composed even though I had a couple of bad holes here and there. I was able to keep myself very confident."
A big positive that Nemes and the Eagles look to build on at the Battle at Hilton Head is the par 5 performance. The Eagles led the field in par 5 scoring at the Spring Kickoff, allowing them to fend off the tightly contested field.
"Being consistent on the par fives was big," Nemes said. "Those were are game changers… We're all long hitters and can get it up to the green or just short in two strokes to chip on and make a birdie putt."
Nemes holds an advantage going into the Battle at Hilton Head, having played it in the past. She acknowledges the course's challenges but knows she can also play it to her advantage.
"The course is a little tight, but there are some holes that are very open," Nemes said. "It is very windy out there because that is even closer to the coast… I think that it will be okay knowing that I and a couple of other players have been out there, and we will be able to tell the freshmen what to do out there."
The Eagles look to build on the positives in the first 18 holes of the Battle at Hilton Head on Monday, starting at 9 AM.
