OSKALOOSA — Day one was definitely a good day.
Day two proved to be even better for the Indian Hills women’s golf team.
In the program’s first-ever tournament, the Warriors pulled away after building a five-stroke lead on Monday during the first round of the William Penn Statesmen Invitational. Indian Hills followed up a program-opening round of 312 at Edmundson Golf Course with a second-round of 306 on Tuesday, pulling away from William Penn winning the program’s first-ever team tournament title by 17 strokes.
“We battled. The girls showed a lot of strength in their mentality just trying to do their best,” Indian Hills head women’s golf coach Micheal Shedd said. “I was pretty and anxious to get up here and compete for the first time. I think the girls were just as ready as I was, because they beat me to the bus.
“Putting it all together and seeing it all come together is very gratifying. It’s the culmination of a lot of people’s hard work and dedication that got us to this point.”
The first-year program, which was first announced as the newest addition to the list of athletic teams at Indian Hills back in 2022, proved right from the start on Monday that it can compete immediately even against established four-year programs. Balanced scoring that included four golfers breaking 80 during the first round, putting IHCC out in front in a race for the title that saw four teams separated by nine strokes heading into Tuesday’s final round.
“I have no doubt that this team can be successful immediately,” Shedd said. “They’re very excited. They want to be competitive. The exciting thing is that it’s a team made up completely of freshmen that are playing against juniors and seniors. All I told the girls was to focus on playing the golf course and worry about shooting their best. I think they did a good job of that.”
The chase for the individual title was just as close with the Warriors factoring heavily in that battle. Netherlands native Joska Nelis was able to move into position for the individual title in her Warrior debut after posting an opening round of 75 on Monday, heading into Tuesday’s final round just one stroke out of the lead.
“It didn’t seem like it went very well for me on the front nine because I missed all my up-and-downs and birdie putts,” Nelis said. “My long game was pretty good. I only missed two fairways. I drove the ball pretty well.”
Six Warrior golfers produced better scores on Tuesday, allowing Indian Hills to emerge decisively. The Warriors pulled away from William Penn, Truman State and Lincoln producing the best team round of the tournament, with a round of 74 by Nelis securing the individual title by a single stroke over Truman State freshman Kylie Secrest.
“It’s very exciting. We were all very nervous during that first round,” Nelis said. “It’s been great being a part of this team. All the girls are awesome. I hope we can make a lot of good results throughout the season.
“Everything is new, so we’re still figuring out what works the best, but we’re playing well. I think we have a chance to show everyone throughout the country what we’ve got here at Indian Hills.”
California native Taylor Pacheco joined Nelis in the top 10, making the biggest improvement from Monday’s opening round to Tuesday’s second round for the Warriors. Pacheco followed up a round of 79 on Monday with a second-round of 75, moving into sixth place on the individual leaderboard with a 154 total finishing just five shots behind Nelis for the individual title.
Poppy Norcott added a top-10 finish for Indian Hills, placing eighth overall with rounds of 79 and 78 for a 157 total. Veronica Rodriguez finished 10th with a 158 two-round total, posting rounds of 79 each day at Edmundson Golf Course.
“I didn’t know what to expect from this program, but I think Coach Shedd is doing great bringing this team together,” Nelis said. “I’m glad I get to be a part of this. Everyone helps each other. We’ve spent a lot of time together. We’re all part of breaking ground with this program. It brings you together to share in something like that.”
