Great Lakes Wire

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The NMU women's golf team began their fall season at the ODU Champions of Women's Golf in Columbus, Ohio. After the first round, the 'Cats are positioned 11th out of 15 teams. Maggie Pietila made history by recording the program's second-ever hole-in-one with her sister on the course and family in attendance.

Pietila achieved this notable feat on hole two. This marks the first time since September 16, 2018—exactly six years ago—that a player from NMU has made a hole-in-one. She completed her round with a score of 84 (+14), including a birdie on the par-4 13th hole and seven pars, placing third on the team and 48th individually.

"It was an incredible feeling getting my first ever hole-in-one," said Maggie Pietila. "I feel so fortunate that my sister, who was playing in her first college tournament, along with my parents were watching and got to witness it!"

Despite Maggie's performance, it was her freshman sister Abbie Pietila who led the team with a round of 79 (+9) in her collegiate debut. Abbie recorded a key birdie on the sixth hole and maintained consistency with eight pars throughout her round.

Freshman Maddy Martens finished second on the team and 37th individually with a score of 82 (+12), highlighted by ten pars and a birdie on the seventeenth hole.

Hailey Bolander shot an 85 (+15), completing NMU's scoring lineup and tying for 55th place individually. Payton Dube scored a 93 (+23) to tie for 82nd place, while Payton Donnelly finished tied for 88th with a score of 95 (+25).

"It was a tough day overall but very promising to see our freshmen lead the way," said newly-named head coach Ben Johnson. "Looking forward for this group to improve tomorrow!"

Complete results from round one and live scoring for tomorrow's round can be found here.

The final round at The Champions Golf Course begins tomorrow morning. Tee times are yet to be determined.