St. John's University Athletics
Oswald Claims New York State Women's Amateur Championship
7/12/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
July 12, 2012
SENECA FALLS, N.Y. -- St. John's women's golf alumna Ellen Oswald captured the New York State Women's Amateur Championship on Thursday, posting a 219 (+3) for the 54-hole tournament held at Seneca Falls Country Club.
"It means a lot to get this win," Oswald said. "I had been playing good golf this summer, but just struggling to win, so it was nice to put it all together."
The 2012 STJ graduate found herself towards the top of the leaderboard after the first round, despite shooting a double-bogey seven on the 18th hole on her way to a 75(+3).
"I had struggled on the finishing holes of rounds a few times this summer, so I just wanted to come out in round two and be more consistent," she said. "I was really looking to stay focused and hit greens and fairways."
The Westchester, N.Y. native started the second round two-over through her first four holes, but responded with three birdies in her final 10 holes to shoot an even-par 72 and find herself out in front.
"I got a text from my dad last night after I finished up the second round that was telling me to go out there and stay focused, and to take it one hole at a time," Oswald said. "He told me that I had 18 holes in front of me and I didn't have to go out and try and birdie every single hole right from the start."
Her father wasn't the only family member giving her words of encouragement as Oswald's brother caddied for her during the week, something that she said helped her stay calm and focused on the course.
Oswald finished the tournament with her most consistent round of the championship, carding 16 pars in round three en route to another even par 72 to take a five-shot victory and leave nothing to doubt.
Up next, Oswald will play in the WMGA stroke play championship next week and will try to continue her hot play at the Met Open in August.
For all the latest news on the St. John's women's golf team, log on to RedStormSports.com and follow the team (@STJ_WomensGolf) on Twitter. You can join the conversation with the hashtag, #stjwg.
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