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MARATHON, N.Y. – Sophomore Iyene Essien started the 2025-26 season by carding the second-lowest round in program history to lead the Union College women’s golf team in its dual match against Ithaca College on Saturday afternoon at Maple Hill Golf Club.
In the season-opener for both teams, Ithaca earned the victory with a team score of 329, 16 strokes clear of Union’s 345.
“I’m very proud of the way the team played out there today,” said head coach Matt McPhillips. “Windy and chilly conditions always call for a good test and we held our own. We look forward to getting back on the course next weekend at St. Lawrence.”
After shattering the school single-season scoring record as a first-year, Essien got her second year off to an excellent start by carding a two-over round of 72, the second-lowest score both overall and in relation to par in program history. She started her round with a birdie on the par-five opening hole and made the turn in three-over 38 before coming in with a one-under 34, recording six pars to go with one bogey and birdies on the par-five 15th and par-four 18th on the back nine. Her score was good enough for an eight-stroke victory over Ithaca’s Brianna Morrison and Helena Winterberg.
First-year Emma Doherty placed sixth in her collegiate debut, finishing with a round of 85. The rookie carded six pars, seven bogies and five doubles in a steady opening round that saw her go out in 43 and come home in 44.
Senior Shea White finished two strokes back in seventh place with an 89. She was one-over through the first five holes before running into trouble over the next four, but steadied herself with a seven-over 42 on the back nine.
Sophomores Ella Golas and Carinna Anastasio carded rounds of 97 and 99 to round out Union’s scoring quintet. Playing as individuals, first-year Claire Giletta finished with a 96 in her collegiate debut and senior Delaney Fox finished with a 105.
Union will return to action next weekend at the St. Lawrence Invitational, held at the Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday.
