Golf teams across the Midwest are finally starting to notice the Washington University women’s golf squad.

The unranked and unheralded Bears followed up on last week’s tournament title by capturing the Illinois Wesleyan University Fall Classic.

“There’s no expectations on us,” senior Margaret Manning said. “We’ve done it for ourselves, for our team.”

In the process of their six-stroke victory, the Red and Green defeated preseason No. 2 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, No. 5 Wisconsin-Eau Claire, No. 8 Illinois Wesleyan, No. 11 Olivet College and No. 20 Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Red and Green also defeated NAIA No. 8 William Woods University.

Wash. U. seized control of the 18-team tournament on the first day with a nine-stroke lead and a team score of 315.

Despite tougher conditions on the second day, including wetter greens and intermittent rain, the Bears fired a 329, adding for a two-day total of 644.

“We tried to focus on closing. We didn’t sit on the lead,” Manning said.

Conditions were tough throughout the tournament, with some of the fastest greens the team has faced.

“[The greens] felt like a marble table,” Manning said. “Nothing would land.”

Shots that looked perfect bounced on the green and into the rough or tall grass.

Putting was particularly difficult, with many 10-foot putts overshooting the cup and rolling into tall grass. Several holes were located on ridges, increasing the toughness.

Freshman Melanie Walsh led the squad, shooting a 153 (73-80) over the weekend and placing second in a field of 112 golfers. Her first-day score was a personal best.

According to Walsh, it was the first time her parents saw her play at the college level, and a good friend was on the Illinois Wesleyan team. The two had trashtalked over the summer and were also vying for bragging rights. “[Walsh] came ready to play,” Manning said.

Walsh’s first round was highlighted by a birdie on a par 3 on the 16th hole. Her first shot was high, bounced once and landed softly about four feet from the hole.

“I was praying for it to get close,” Walsh said. “When I was standing over the putt, I was like, ‘I’m going to make this.’” Walsh made the putt and pumped her fist in celebration.

Freshman Hannah Buck finished fifth overall with a 156 (76-80). Buck had a great sand save—or “sandy”—on a par 4 on the first day. Buck’s second shot landed in the sand just short of the green.

“You’re in that zone of, ‘Do I try to hit the green, or do I try to bounce it up?’ She missed it by three feet,” head coach Sean Curtis said. “She was able to step up, hit a great shot out of the sand and make the putt. When you see someone do that, even they’ll smile.”

Manning (81-84, 18th), senior Kristina Zeschin (85-86, 41st) and junior Kathleen Pettinato (94-85, 67th) rounded out the scorers. Sophomore Katie Homa competed as an individual, shooting a 170 (85-85), good for 37th.

“Even when they’ve had a bad hole, they’ve been able to immediately overcome it,” Curtis said. “That’s been a particular strength, just to move on.”

Updated rankings are expected later this month, but for now the Bears look to end the fall season strong at the Millikin University Fall Classic in Decatur, Ill., on Saturday and Sunday. The Red and Green plan to carry their quiet confidence forward and let their clubs speak for themselves.

“You don’t have to announce it to anyone,” Curtis said on what he’s told the team. “You don’t need to say it out loud just knowing that you can play with the people that you’re paired up against…Be proud of your accomplishments, but don’t be satisfied.”