ST. JOSEPH, Minn. -- With confidence forged from a strong spring campaign and a summer of individual development, the College of Saint Benedict golf team is ready to tee off the 2025-26 season. The journey begins this weekend, August 30-31, as the Bennies host the annual CSB Invite (noon, Aug. 30; 8:30 p.m., Aug. 31).

"We were good last year, and our spring was just very successful," said head coach Daryl Schomer. "It was a really good springboard for everybody. I think everyone was excited to get to work over the summer on their game and build on what they did last spring."

That springboard included a pair of second-place finishes — at the Gustie Spring Invite (66-over-par, 642) and Bethel's Rumble at the Ridge (29-over-par, 317). It was a clear turning point for a squad that finished sixth at the 2024 MIAC Championships with a three-round team total of 1,024 (+160).

 

The Bennies showcased depth and consistency throughout the year, recording six rounds of 318 or better — their best, a 312, came in the first round of the St. Kate's Fall Invite in September 2024. That type of scoring, paired with a returning core and new talent, has CSB setting its sights higher in 2025-26. After the CSB Invite, the golf team competes at the Carleton Invitational, Sept. 6-7; Gustie D3 Classic, Sept.13-14; and St. Kate's Fall Invite, Sept, 20-21; before the MIAC Golf Championship on Oct. 4-6 at the Braemer Golf Course in Edina, Minn.

Experience at the Top

The 10-player squad is anchored by seniors Catherine Jance and Maggie Roth — two leaders who embody the program's blend of competitive edge and team-first mentality.

Jance, an All-MIAC selection, emerged as a top performer during the spring stretch. She won two tournaments and was named MIAC Golfer of the Week on April 22, becoming just the second player in program history (joining CSB Hall of Famer Kathryn Hauff Dehn) to win back-to-back titles. Jance finished the season with a team-best 80.2 scoring average, three top-10 finishes, and five of the team's top seven rounds — including two personal bests of 73.

"This spring really helped prove to us that we are able to be one of the top teams," Jance said. "We're putting in the work and building our confidence. Success for us is executing every day and trusting the hours we've put in." 

Her two-round score of 147 (74-73) in winning the Gustie Spring Invite ranks tied for second-best in program history, highlighting her potential to lead CSB to new heights in her final season.

Roth, a consistent contributor since her first year, also turned heads with a career-best 152 (73-79) at the DII Central Region Preview. She placed seventh in that event and tied for sixth at the Gustie Spring Invite with a 160 (81-79), further solidifying her role as a reliable top-tier scorer.

"With how we did in the spring, and building over the summer, I'm excited to see how everyone does," Roth said. "We started posting lower scores. Now it's about pushing that further this fall."

A Balanced and Driven Roster

The Bennies' strength lies not just in their seniors, but in the balance of experience and youth across the roster. Juniors Taylar Nadler and Brooke Bee bring maturity and consistency, while sophomores Sophia Anderson, Sydney Burggraf, Kenna Henriksen, and Avery Maus are poised to take the next step after gaining valuable experience as first-years.

The freshman class adds intrigue as well. First-years Isabella Anlauf and Aspen Humes provide talent and depth.

Setting the Bar – On and Off the Course

Success at CSB isn't limited to birdies and low rounds. The 2024-25 team was named to the WGCA All-Scholar Team with a collective GPA of 3.769 — 13th best in NCAA Division III. Six golfers earned WGCA All-American Scholar honors, while seven were recognized on the Academic All-MIAC list.

The academic accolades reflect a culture of discipline and focus that carries over to competition.

"We want to break into that top five at the MIAC Championships," said Roth. "But beyond that, each of us has individual goals — whether that's shooting your lowest round or just enjoying your final season with the team. At the end of the day, we're all here to work hard and have fun."

Looking Ahead

With a schedule full of competitive tests and a roster eager to make its mark, the 2025-26 season presents both promise and opportunity for the Bennies. The opening weekend at the CSB Invite will set the tone — not just for results, but for the mindset that's been building since last spring.

:Success is using all the work that we put in each week," said Jance. "It is trying our best each tournament, each day, having confidence in the hours that we put in and just going out there and trying to execute the best we can."
 

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