GALESBURG, Ill. — The Carl Sandburg College women’s golf team will open its 2025-26 season at home, with hopes of another run at the NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship.
The Chargers will host the Sandburg Invite at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lake Bracken Country Club. They are looking to build on last year’s success, when they finished 13th at nationals. They also competed at nationals in 2019 and 2023.
Two players to watch are Abigail Strode of Pekin and freshman Jessica Schultz of Toluca. Strode, the team’s lone returner, brings valuable experience.
“I know Abigail will be a great team leader,” coach Gail Hannam said. “The experience she gained last year, especially at nationals, will help her game move forward.”
Schultz enters Sandburg with an impressive high school record. She was named the 2024 Ottawa Times Girls Golfer of the Year and placed 30th at the IHSA Class 1A state tournament last fall.
“She’s been submitting some very good scores this summer, and I look forward to what she can do at this level,” Hannam said.
While the roster is young, expectations remain high, Hannam added.
“This season will be a success if we can show good growth this fall, work on our deficiencies during the winter and compete for another national tournament run.”
This fall’s schedule features five events. The district championship will be held in April and serve as the national qualifier.
