The Oakland University women’s golf team began their season on Feb. 28, and are now heading into their final two tournaments — at Bowling Green on April 10 and 11 and the Horizon League Championship April 25-27.

“We’ve had a strong season so far, and are continuing to improve at every tournament,” Head Coach Alyssa Gaudio said. “This team has [enjoyed] some individual successes, as well as team ones. Recently, one of our seniors, Amalia Shahzan, won a tournament with the team taking second.  Veronica Haque, also a senior, finished second at that same tournament.  We’ve had a lot of individual low rounds throughout the season and we are working hard to put together great team rounds.”

Shahzan was recently named Nike Horizon League Golfer of the Week after winning her first collegiate tournament, the Nevel Meade Collegiate — with a total score of 217 (+1). Hague followed closely behind, tying for second and finishing out with a total score of 218 (+2).

“I am so happy to have earned this title, but I know I wouldn’t be able to come this far without the help and support from my coach and family,” Shahzan said. “Being an international student athlete and being so far away from my family is hard, but I am glad I could get all the love and support from my teammates and coaches.”

Hague felt similarly to Shahzan, saying a lot of her success comes from her support system: coaches, teammates, family and friends.

“Having my teammates and coaches around while I’m on the course gives me more comfort and purpose, motivating me to give my all during every shot while I’m out there,” Hague said. “Knowing how supported I am, I feel better about myself, which translates into my golf game.”

Not only was the Nevel Meade Collegiate tournament especially successful for Shahzan and Hague individually, the team enjoyed a third round score of 297 — the low round for the final day of competition — and a second place finish overall.

The team saw success at the spring break shootout on March 15 and 16 as well, where Hague shot 69 (-2) according to Coach Gaudio, and the team finished in ninth place with a score of 897 (+45). Hague tied for 10th place with a three round total of 217 (+4) and Shahzan tied for 32nd, followed closely by sophomore Kay Zubkus, who finished with a score of 225 (+12). 

As the team heads into their final tournament, Hague mentioned she’s just ready to play and compete.

“I really enjoy my time out on the course and I appreciate every moment I get,” Hague said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my team and my coaches and seeing what we can accomplish together. I think that we have a really strong and positive mindset heading into the next two events, so I’m excited to see what we’ll be able to do out there when the time comes.”

Gaudio said the team is ready to put in the work necessary.

“We are looking forward to putting in some hard work in the coming weeks to put on a good show at the next two events,” Gaudio said. “We would love to set some individual and team records along the way. This team has a lot to be proud of already, but I know they aren’t satisfied, yet.”

Shahzan has faced some adversity this year, but is ready to continue playing her best.

“[My dad] passed away last September due to cancer and the only thing that kept me going and giving me strength is that I know giving up is not what he would want me to do,” Shahzan said. “I [knew] I needed to be strong and play my best golf for him and for the OU women’s golf team.”