Ephs Shoot a Record Breaking Score of 590 to Win Home Invitational

PHOTO GALLERY 

Williamstown, MA- Today was a record-breaking day for the Ephs as they made a 10-stroke surge to take home the first-place trophy of the 50th annual Williams Golf Invitational. The Ephs posted a phenomenal second day of score of 290 to break the one-day invitational and course record set by Amherst College a day prior. Previously, the team record at Taconic was 296 set in 2019. The two-day combined score of 590 also shattered the team's two-day record of 308-289 (at Ledges in Hadley, Mass).
 
Amherst took second with second day score of 300, combined for a 592 and New York University placed third with a combined score of 616.
 
Individually, the Ephs swept the field. Sophomore Tiyani Zhuang followed up her three-over 74 yesterday with an even-par 71 today. Her two-day total of 145 put her atop the leaderboard. Amherst's Gihoe Seo, who shot 71 yesterday, posted a score of 74. Seo and Zhuang shared the top score for the tournament, but the medalist honors were ultimately given to Zhuang after a one-hole playoff on hole 9. While Seo holed out for a bogey, Zhuang's bunker shot hit the pin and dropped allowing her to one-putt for par.
 
Three shots back was junior Catalin Yturralde with a two-day total of 148. Her solid score of 75 following a 73 from yesterday put her T4. Right behind her was freshman Gio Kim, who shot an outstanding one under par 70 during her first home invitational. Not only was it the field's lowest score over two days but was Kim's first collegiate under par round. Her two-day total of 149 placed her sixth in the field.
 
"I was very happy with how I played today. My irons shots were much more accurate which I think was the main reason I played better," commented Gio Kim. "All in all I was happy to contribute to the team score today!"
 
One stroke behind Gio Kim was senior Joanna Kim, who followed up her first day score of 77 with a 73. Like yesterday, Kim had four birdies. After making the turn at six over, Kim flipped the switch, shooting four under par on the back nine to end the day. Fellow senior Olivia White shot a combined two-day score of 152 with a 78 and 74. She stands T10. Junior Malini Rudra posted a hard fought 79 after struggling on the greens all day. Finally, sophomore Aishvarya Bedi finished the scoring for the Ephs with a 79 after holing out for an eagle on her first hole.
 
"It's always fun when the team sets new records," commented head coach Tomas Adalsteinsson. "They have put a lot of work in and trusted the process. They play for each other, support each other, and celebrate each other successes. I'm a very proud coach. I can't ask for anything more from them. They deserved a record-breaking day!"
 
The Ephs will depart this Friday for the NESCAC Championship Qualifier hosted by Bowdoin College at Nonesuch River Golf Club in Maine.