2007 Urbana University Women's Golf Preview
In only its third year of existence, the Urbana University women’s golf program is poised to build on the success and leadership of its experienced players and combine that with the talent of its incoming class. Head Coach Jacquelyn Howell sees promise in this year’s squad. Players will be pushing each other for the top five spots, which will ultimately, help them all lower their scores and make the team that much better.

The junior class is led by Shelby Buck ( South Charleston, Ohio) who is very close to playing in the No. 1 spot on the team. Cami Anthony ( Miamisburg, Ohio) is a steady two-year captain who works hard at having a strong game. Kendra Billenstein ( Ansonia, Ohio) is another hard worker for the Blue Knights. Becky Rutan ( Mechanicsburg, Ohio) rounds out the junior class and was named the Blue Knights’ most improved player last year after shaving ten strokes off of her game. She has worked hard all summer to improve her strength.

The sophomore class is led by Cortney Ertel ( Woodstock, Ohio), who not only plays the No. 1 spot on the team, but also carries a 4.0 GPA. Julie Stratton is another player vying for one of the top five spots on the squad with her steady play. Jenna Swihart is a steady and intelligent player who will also compete to play in the top five.

The freshman class looks promising to Howell. Katie Rupley ( Toledo, Ohio) is expected to push the upperclassmen in the race for the top five spots on the team. Joining her in the freshman class are Kate Smart ( Bellefontaine, Ohio) and Julianne Howell ( Greenon, Ohio). Smart held the lowest average her senior year and was a three-year varsity letter winner. Howell was named a first team all-Central Buckeye Conference and all-County performer. She was awarded the Coach’s Award at Greenon where she holds the school record for nine holes with a 40 and 18 holes with an 84.

Out of the three years the Blue Knights have fielded women’s golf, this is the best squad Urbana University has seen. Coach Howell anticipates good team play from Stratton, Ertel, Buck, and with the addition of Rupley, a chance to finish at the top of the conference.

According to Coach Howell, the conference is very even going into the season and the top finishers will be the teams and players who can keep their head in the game.

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