The Sonoma State Women’s Golf Team hosted their Spring Invite at Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club, winning their first tournament of the year. Despite the saturation on the fairways because of the recent rain, the course play was unexpectedly long, yet the Seawolves capitalized on their home turf.

During the first day of the event, freshman Talia Gutman led the starting five with a three-over-par 75. Followed up by Mia Golovich and Courtney Cervellin shooting a pair of 76’s. Sonoma State maintained control with a seven-stroke lead going into the final round. Seawolf Isley Grguric led the tournament shooting an even par with three birdies and a back nine of two-under-par, while her teammates Brenna Ozel and Aly Hutchinson stayed in the mix shooting 75 and 77.

The second day of the tournament started off early the next morning utilizing the perfect weather. Despite the course being a challenge for everyone because of pin locations and the longer yardages, The Seawolves weren’t held back. Gutman shot the team low at two-over-par. Lauren Garcia was consistent throughout the tournament and shot 78, while teammates Golovich and Cervellin both paired at 79. Gutman would claim third place overall, continuing her spectacular season. Seawolves Ozel and Hutchinson made the top ten at eighth and ninth place respectively, as well as Grguric tied for fourteenth.

Ozel is in her third year and is majoring in early childhood education. For Ozel this has been her most challenging year both mentally and physically, yet she has had solid finishes and is determined to follow that path. “My goal this year was to slow down a little. Playing a collegiate sport means constantly moving and going from workouts to practice to tournaments. I feel like the last few years have flown by, and many student-athletes can relate to this. I also wanted our team to win three events. We just won our first, so hopefully, we can build off that momentum.” Ozel’s teammates keep her motivated, always improving with each other’s support.

Environmental, geography, and management major Gutman said, “Golf is not a game of perfection, and I think at times it’s hard for me to accept that. Once I do, though, I can play the game how it was meant to be played and move on from the past.”

Gutman has participated in the majority of tournaments this year and finished in the top 20 of all four tournaments during the fall. Coming back from winter break with a new swing and some mental challenges, it took Gutman a couple of tournaments to overcome, yet she showed resilience and secured third place at Santa Rosa Country Club.

“I think the real strength of this team is the bond we have with each other. There have been some moments where I have felt close to being defeated, but my team has always been there to comfort and hype me up. My love for the sport, the team, and my family motivates me to keep working hard on improving in every aspect of my life. I’ve played this sport since I was very little, and it’s hard to imagine a life without it,” said Gutman.