SUNSET BEACH, N.C. -- The Malone women's golf team just returned from spring break after competing at the Sea Trail Invitational in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. The team played 72 holes with play including a 2-person Best Ball Tournament in which the Lady Pios were led by freshman Maria Warner and sophomore Erin Strouse who finished the 18-hole event with a very competitive +5 on the round.


Sophomores Ashley Kizzen and Jayden Mitchell followed with a competitive round of their own shooting +6 on the day. Sophomore Savanna Porter and junior Kassidy Glover completed their round +13 on the day.


Sophmore Abrielle Nikolaidis and freshman Abbigail Jones bested big sister Anastasia (Boo) Nikolaidis and her teammate from West Virginia Wesleyan College while juniors Mackenze Baker and Jayne Bernard knocked out their competition from WVWC.

In the 36-hole 2-day event, the Pios were led by Maria Warner with an 84.5 average. Maria had an outstanding birdie on the challenging 155 yard Par 3 #3 with a virtual tap-in putt! Erin Strouse had the Pios best round of the week with a strong 82 that included a birdie of her own on the 365 yard Par 4 18th. Erin's tourney included 15 pars. Jayden Mitchell had an outstanding Day 2 and shot an 83 including 4 consecutive pars to capture momentum.

Savanna Porter matched Jayden's 83 with an excellent round of her own on Day 2 and had the most pars of the group with a 2-day total of 17. Ashley Kizzen had the fewest putts of all the Pios that included an exceptional 29 putts in Round 1 and a 2-day total of 65! Kassidy Glover continued her strong improvement and birdied #18 herself.  Jayne Bernard had a 2-day average of 87 and recorded 2 birdies to lead the way for MWG.

Abbrielle Nikolaidis and Abbigail Jones each had solid moments during their rounds. Abrielle holed out from 92 yards on #14! Abbigail had a beautiful par on the scenic and most challenging #7 that goes over the water and through the woods.


Mackenzie Baker played very well and shot below her average in both rounds and posted a birdie on the Par 4 1st hole. Boo Nikolaidis had a birdie of her own on #18 but had to withdraw due to a chronic back injury. Boo is expected to be ready to play when the team returns to action in a few weeks.


The team will play again March 24-26 in Charleston, West Virginia at Berry Hills Golf Course.

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