BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Augustana women's golf team was selected first in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll announced Wednesday. The Vikings have won 10 of the last 11 NSIC Championships and received nine first place votes in the poll. The team also tallied 139 total points, 17 points more than the second ranked team Minnesota State.
"Augustana has three experienced seniors and three strong newcomers joining the team, Augustana head coach Coralee Jorgensen said. "Add the additional five players creates a team with great skills and incredible depth. The excitement shown by the team to play this fall is energizing."
Jorgensen, the reigning NSIC Coach of the Year, enters her second season in 2021-22 after a successful season in 2021 and nine years of coaching experience at Augustana University under former head coach Peggy Kirby.
The Vikings
Eight of the nine student-athletes on the roster are returners this season with the Vikings adding three freshmen for the 2021-22 season. Sophomore Lauren Tims, junior Molly Stevens, and senior Natalie Young are returning as First Team All-NSIC selections from the last season. Stevens led the Vikings with a 79.5 stroke average and five top-10 finishes. Her stroke average led the team and ranked third in the NSIC last season. Young's stroke average was 80.4, and she had a trio of top-10 finishes. Tims's stroke average was 80.8.
The Vikings three new additions this year are Shannon McCormick (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Masy Mock (Mitchell, S.D.) and Annika Stensrud (Glenwood, M.N.).
The Vikings Preseason player to watch is Natalie Young.
Natalie Young
Young returns to the team as one of three seniors. Young ranked sixth in the NSIC in 2021 with an 80.4 stroke average. In the spring season, Young had three top-10 finishes, and two of those were top-five finishes.
"As Natalie comes in to play her final year of collegiate golf, we know she is ready," Jorgensen said. "During the summer months, she played in many events and has worked hard on her game. She is a leader and able to persevere through whatever is thrown at her. Most importantly, her positive attitude and predator mindset are qualities that are hard to beat."
The Augustana Women's golf team begins their season at the Tracy Lane Invitational in Bemidji, Minn. on September 13-14.
2021 NSIC Women's Golf Preseason Coaches' Poll
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1. Augustana (9)
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139
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2. Minnesota State (2)
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122
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3. Concordia-St.Paul (1)
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106
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4. Sioux Falls (1)
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102
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5. Upper Iowa ***Tied 4th
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102
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6. SMSU
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84
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7. Wayne State
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71
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8. Winona State
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66
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9. Minot State
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64
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10. Bemidji State
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52
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11. University of Mary
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45
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12. MSU Moorhead
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34
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12. Minnesota Crookston
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27
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--GoAugie.com--
