Edison, N.J. ? The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is adding three associate members, the University at Albany, Boston University and the University of Hartford, to women's golf, with the programs starting competition in 2009-2010.
Currently, Fairfield University and Siena College compete in the MAAC, while Niagara University plans to add women's golf next season. Albany, Boston University and Hartford are members of the America East Conference. The MAAC will be eligible to receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship starting in 2012.
“The development of women's golf within the MAAC has been a priority with the MAAC Committee on Athletic Administration,” notes MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “The decision by Niagara to add the sport provided us with a membership base that allowed us to seek associate members with the end goal to qualify for NCAA automatic bid status. We welcome the new members and recognize that with such cooperation all the schools will benefit their student-athletes with a more competitive league.”
“The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference has hosted one of the finest collegiate golf championships in Florida for the past 10 years,” Tim Murray, Director of Athletics at Marist College and Chair of the MAAC Golf Committee said. “The league is excited to add these fine programs to the women's championship.”
Albany won the 2009 America East Women's Golf Championship, the Great Danes' third team title and second consecutive. Head coach Richard “Doc” Sauers earned his second straight America East Conference Coach of the Year award, and sophomore Corrin Conroy had a two-day total of 155 to take the individual title.
“Our associate membership expands the field and provides women's golf with a greater level of competition,” UAlbany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy said. “The student-athletes have a better opportunity to move forward to NCAA championship play. This strengthens the program.”
Boston University finished second at the 2009 America East Women's Golf Championship, led by first-year head coach Bruce Chalas. Sophomore Ana Johnson sat atop the Terriers' leaderboard and finished second overall with a two-day total of 159.
"This truly is a move in the right direction for our women's golf program, and we're looking forward to that team immediately transitioning into the MAAC along with Albany and Hartford," Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Lynch said. "Our student-athletes want and deserve the chance to compete in a conference with an automatic qualifier for the NCAA tournament, and this move will provide them with that opportunity."
Hartford, led by head coach Donna Harris, finished in third place at the 2009 America East Championship. Senior Megan Claxton posted the best round by a Hartford golfer with a two-day total of 161, tying her for third place. Freshman Emily Linn finished eighth place with a total of 168 for the Hawks.
“We are excited to have a new home for our women's golf program beginning in the fall,” Hartford Director of Athletics Patricia H. Meiser said. “The MAAC and America East schools joining forces will provide all seven schools an equal opportunity of participating in the postseason, as well as offering a more competitive championship for the student-athletes.”
The 2010 MAAC Men's and Women's Golf Championships will take place April 29 through May 2 at the Celebration Golf Club in Celebration, Fla.
(Courtesy of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Wednesday, June 10)
