UNCW’s Elinoora Moisio named CAA rookie of the year in women’s golf

WILMINGTON, NC (UNCW) — UNCW freshman Ellinoora Moisio (pronounced MOY-see-oh) has been named as the 2015-16 Colonial Athletic Association Women’s Golf Rookie-of-the-Year in a vote of the league’s head coaches.

In addition, senior Annette Lyche (pronounced Lick-ah) earned a spot on the All-CAA First Team and was the Seahawks’ representative on the All-Academic Team while senior Meghan Theiss (pronounced Tice) received Second-Team All-CAA recognition.

“I am very happy for Annette, Meghan and Ellinoora on their achievements this year and for being recognized for their hard work,” Head Coach Cindy Ho said.

Moisio competed in eight tournaments and posted a 78.29 scoring average. She carded a ninth-place finish at the CAA Championships and finished with a season-best 9-over par at the Landfall Tradition and Notre Dame Clover Cup.

The Kaarina, Finland, native is the first UNCW women’s golfer to earn CAA Rookie-of-the-Year accolades since Carmen Perez-Narbon in 2007.

According to Coach Ho, “Ellinoora was a tremendous addition to our team and provided us with depth in scoring we have not had in many years. Her score counted in 19 of the 24 rounds she played in and helped the team win its first tournament in three years. She has one of the best short games on the team and a strong competitive spirit.”

Lyche earned her third consecutive All-CAA First Team nod after leading the Seahawks with a 75.71 scoring average. She posted three top-10 finishes, including a pair of third-place showings at the William & Mary Invitational and Notre Dame Clover Cup. The Baerum, Norway, product also ended the season in strong fashion with an eighth-place effort at the CAA Championship.

A three-year letter winner for the Seahawks after transferring from Baylor, Lyche ends her college career ranked second in school history with a 75.95 scoring average.

“Annette epitomizes the word student-athlete,” Ho said. “She has been our number one player over the last two years and to earn First-Team All-CAA honors three times along with being a two-time All-Academic Team selection is a tremendous accomplishment.”

Ho added, “Annette graduates with the second-lowest career scoring average in school history and should also be a three-time WGCA All-American Scholar.”

After missing most of last season due to an injury, Theiss, a transfer from Louisville, returned this year and provided stability at the top of the lineup. The LaGrange, Ky., native competed in all eight tournaments for the Seahawks and ranked second on the team with a 75.75 scoring average.

Theiss posted her top finish at the CAA Championships with a sixth-place effort and fired a season-best 3-over par at the Landfall Tradition and Clemson Invitational, finishing in 15th and 19th places, respectively.

Theiss posted a 76.44 scoring average in three years at UNCW, with three top-10 finishes.

“Meghan’s selection to the All-CAA Second Team after going through a lengthy seven-month recovery from hip surgery is a testament to her incredible work ethic, dedication and resiliency,” Ho said. “She had a strong year and finished second on the team in scoring after going through physical therapy, which required her not to only regain her form on the golf course, but elevate it as well to be competitive in the CAA.”