Grand Rapids, MI – It's been a wild spring for the Aquinas College Women's and Men's Golf teams. First, the abrupt departure of Coach John Konya just before the season's opening tournament. Then, two weather-affected competitions under Interim Coach Brandon Rozema. But through the chaos, both teams have shown their talent and promise, turning in strong performances this past weekend.
April 5–6, 2025 | Fighting Scot Spring Invite
Gibson Woods GCS – Monmouth, IL
Saints Secure Runner-Up Finish at Fighting Scot Spring Invite
The Aquinas College women's golf team continued its strong spring campaign with an impressive second-place showing at the Fighting Scot Spring Invite, hosted by Monmouth College at Gibson Woods Golf Course. Facing off against a field featuring NCAA Division III and junior college programs, the Saints posted a team total of 687 (353-334)—just 37 strokes behind tournament champion Spalding University.
The Saints were especially sharp on Day 2, cutting 19 strokes from their opening-round score to post one of their lowest team rounds of the season.
Zoey Quinn led the way with steady play across both days. Sophomore Emma Franklin and junior Maddie Schense also came up big with standout second-round efforts, helping Aquinas leapfrog Carl Sandburg for the runner-up finish. The Saints showcased strong depth throughout the lineup, with every player contributing key scores when it mattered most.
Interim Coach Brandon Rozema applauded the team's performance:
"This was one of our more complete team efforts. The course played tough in spots, but the way we bounced back on Day 2 shows where we're headed. There's a confidence growing in this group."
Inside the Numbers:
• Team Total: 687 (353-334), finished 2nd of 4 teams
• Best Round: Day 2 score of 334 ranked second in the field
• Day 2 Improvement: 19-stroke improvement over Round 1
• Margin: Aquinas topped third-place Carl Sandburg by 37 strokes
April 7, 2025 | Holy Cross Spring Invite
Peru, IN – Rock Hollow Golf Club
Saints Tie for Second at Windy Single-Round Event
Battling gusty winds and tough course conditions, the Aquinas College women's golf team earned a tie for second place at a one-round tournament hosted by Holy Cross. The Saints shot a 385, matching the host team and finishing just behind winner Grace College (333).
Ellie Christian led Aquinas with a 95, followed closely by Jayda Kerns and Maddie Schense, who each carded 96. Zoey Quinn added a 98, and Mara Brydges rounded out the top five with a 106. The close scoring range across the lineup highlighted the Saints' depth and consistency.
Despite challenging pin placements and steady winds, Aquinas held firm—especially around the greens, where their short game kept them in contention.
Coach Rozema praised their effort:
"We had to grind it out today. The scores weren't flashy, but the way the team stayed focused was impressive. We know there's more in the tank, and I'm excited about where we're headed."
Inside the Numbers:
• Team Score: 385, tied for 2nd of 5 teams
• Top Performer: Ellie Christian with a team-best 95
• Scoring Depth: Top four scorers finished within a 3-stroke range (95–98)
• Gritty Play: Kerns and Schense each recorded only five putts over par or worse—showing poise under pressure
Men's Golf
April 5–6, 2025 | Fighting Scot Spring Invite
Gibson Woods GCS – Monmouth, IL
Aquinas Men's Golf Finishes Fourth at Fighting Scot Spring Invite
Fighting Scot Spring Invite (April 5–6)
The Aquinas men's golf team turned in one of its most consistent performances of the season, carding rounds of 310 and 306 to finish fourth in a competitive 10-team field with a total of 616 (+48)—just nine strokes shy of a share of second.
Senior Matt Denhartigh led the charge, placing second overall with a score of 146 (71–75), one stroke behind medalist Luke Movrich from Wisconsin Lutheran. He was backed by solid contributions from Austin Pitsch, Logan Wolter, Augustus Vega, and McCoy Denhartigh, each finishing with a round in the 70s on Day 2.
"Our consistency this weekend is a good sign," said Rozema. "Matt was excellent, and the group handled the course well."
Top Performers:
Inside the Numbers:
• Team Total: 616 (310-306), 4th of 10 teams
• Day 2 Score: 306, 4th-lowest of the day
• Top Finisher: Ashton Bass (+4 overall, 73 in Round 2)
• Balanced Lineup: All scoring rounds on Day 2 between 73–79
April 7, 2025 | Holy Cross Spring Invite
Peru, IN – Rock Hollow Golf Club
Aquinas Men Capture Win at Fighting Scot Spring Invite
The Aquinas men's golf team claimed victory at the Holy Cross Spring Invite, edging out a tight leaderboard with a team score of 321 at Gibson Woods. It was a confidence-building win as the Saints gear up for postseason play.
Matt Denhartigh and Austin Pitsch each shot 78 to lead the way, both showing steady play across 18 holes. Denhartigh was particularly sharp on the back nine, carding just two bogeys. Pitsch strung together a consistent round, avoiding costly mistakes.
Sophomore Anthony Lalomia added an 83, highlighted by a key birdie on the par-3 14th. Logan Wolter's 82, featuring two birdies and a strong opening nine, also proved vital. McCoy Denhartigh's 86 added insurance should any scoring adjustments have been needed.
Coach Rozema emphasized the importance of their mental approach:
"This was one of those days where composure really paid off. Nobody had their absolute best stuff, but everyone battled and played smart. It's a huge step forward as we continue to build momentum."
Inside the Numbers:
• Winning Total: 321, edging Holy Cross (326) and St. Francis (327)
• Top Pair: Denhartigh and Pitsch tied for third overall with 78s
• Balanced Scores: Four Aquinas players shot 83 or better
• Strong Finish: Combined +2 over final three holes to secure the win
Up Next:
Both the Women's and Men's teams head to Hope College for the Spring Invitational at Clearbrook Golf Club in Saugatuck, MI. Tournament play begins Friday and Saturday with 10:00 AM tee times.
