From NSU Sports Information
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Northeastern State women’s golf team won its fourth consecutive NSU Golf Classic at Cherry Springs Golf Club on Tuesday afternoon.
The RiverHawks shot a combined score of 605 to earn first place on their home course. Arkansas Tech placed second with a combined score of 621 followed by Harding University in third place with a combined score of 624. Southwestern Oklahoma State took fourth place with a score of 625 and Henderson State rounded out the top five with a score of 633.
“This was a big win for us. We’re always happy to be able to win at our home course,” Head Coach Scott Varner said. “This is as strong a field in the Midwest that you’re going to find, and we’re thrilled that we are able to put on such a big event here in Tahlequah. Cherry Springs has worked real hard to make it nice for everybody.”
Leading NSU in play was freshman McCandren Lewis, who finished second overall in the tournament. Lewis shot an even par round and ended with a 3-over par 147.
“I can’t use enough positive adjectives to describe how pleased I am with McCandren Lewis,” Varner said. “She has exceeded every expectation we had for her. She’s way ahead of where we thought she would be at this stage of her career, and not just on the golf course. Her character is impeccable. She’s a wonderful young woman.”
Last year’s defending individual champion senior Kelsey Kirkpatrick shot 76 in the final round to finish 4-over par and place third in the tournament at 148.
Senior Whitney McAteer shot an 11-over par round of 83 for a total score of 155 and placed eighth overall. Sophomore Alex Koch shot a 4-over par round of 76 to tie McAteer in eighth place.
Freshman Kirsten Degutis shot an 11-over par round of 83 to total 162 for the tournament and place 30th.
The RiverHawks will play in their next fall tournament Sept. 23-25 at the Fred Marx Invitational in Monroe, La.
Team Results
1. Northeastern State 298-307= 605 (+29)
2. Arkansas Tech 317-304= 621 (+45)
3. Harding 315-309= 624 (+48)
4. SW Oklahoma State 306-319= 625 (+49)
5. Henderson State 312-321= 633 (+57)
6. Arkansas-Fort Smith 317-325= 642 (+66)
7. Oklahoma Baptist 323-323= 646 (+70)
8. East Central 319-339= 658 (+82)
9. Rogers State 336-334= 670 (+94)
10. Nebraska- Kearney 339-337= 676 (+100)
11. McMurry 342-336= 678 (+102)
12. Fort Hays State 348-349= 697 (+121)
13. Central Missouri 352-372= 724 (+148)
Top 5 Finishers
1. Brittany Marquez (Harding) 71-72= 143 (-1)
2. McCandren Lewis (NSU) 75 -72= 147 (+3)
3. Kelsey Kirkpatrick (NSU) 72-76= 148 (+4)
4. Margaret Musser (SWOSU) 74-76= 150 (+6)
5. Emelie Alpe (Ark. Tech) 76-75= 151 (+7)
NSU Individual Results
2. McCandren Lewis 75-72= 147(+3)
3. Kelsey Kirkpatrick 72-76= 148 (+4)
T8. Whitney McAteer 72-83=155 (+11)
T8. Alex Koch 79-76= 155 (+11)
T30. Kirsten Degutis 79-83= 162 (+18)
Jamie Hall is the Media Relations Coordinator and Senior Woman Administrator.