RSU holds off UCO to win Newman Spring Invite at Sand Creek Station
NEWTON, Kan. – No. 18 Rogers State women’s golf won the Newman Spring Invitational on Tuesday for its fourth consecutive tournament victory.
After 36 holes at the par-72, 6,087-yard Sand Creek Station Golf Course, the Hillcats won the tournament with a card of 604 (+28), just one stroke ahead of second place Central Oklahoma. The second team finished in 13th with a card of 637 (+36).
“This was a great final regular season tournament for us,” said coach Whitney Hocutt. “The ladies fought hard for two rounds, and we had multiple step up and play well this week. This is the fourth team win in a row and that is a major success, but now we are focused on winning the next one. Thank you to Newman, Sand Creek Station GC, and their volunteers.”
Jaelynn Unger led the team finishing in a tie for sixth after shooting 5-over 149. Jessica Green finished in 10th at 151. Lydia Sitorus finished in a three-way tie for 13th with a 153. Marelda Ayal finished in a group of seven tied at 19th with a 155 and Kristin Gudmundsdottir rounded out the squad in a group of seven tied at 36that 158.
“Jaelynn played one of her best tournaments this year,” continued Hocutt. “Jess Green stayed calm and put two good rounds together. Lydia came back today and played very well, sinking the final birdie putt on her last hole to secure the team victory. Everyone did so well and I am very proud of them.”
Raquel Flores led the second team in the three-way tie for 13th after shooting 153. Jessica Osden finished in a group of eight tied at 26th with a 156.
With the regular season complete, the Hillcats will now prepare for the MIAA Conference Championships in Newton, Kan. beginning on Thursday, April 21 returning to the Sand Creek Station Golf Course.
Central Oklahoma came lose to pulling out a final-round comeback, but ultimately fell one stroke short. The Bronchos trailed Rogers State by five shots entering the final day and closed with a 298 for a 605 total. Madison O’Dell led UCO on the final day with a 1-over-par 73. Mika Ramos had a closing 74, while Susana Olivares shot 75, Kinsley Hall 76 and Arin Zachary 81.
“We battled hard, but just came up a little short,” head coach Michael Bond said. “I’m proud of the way we played and competed. We gave ourselves a chance and that’s all you can ask.”
The Bronchos ended with four individuals in the top 20. Ramos tied for fourth with a 148 total, while Olivares was eighth at 150, O’Dell 11th at 152 and Hall 19th at 155.
O’Dell made three bogeys and two birdies in her one-over round. The junior was three-over with six holes to play before reeling off five straight pars and then finishing her day with a birdie on the par-5 second hole.
It was the final regular-season tournament of the year for the Bronchos. UCO returns to the same course for the MIAA Championships on April 21-23.