Vikings Remain 9th at NCAA Regional

DENTON, TX – The Western Washington University women’s golf team remains in 9^th place through the first two rounds of the NCAA Division II West Regional at Wildhorse Golf Club at Robson Ranch.

The GNAC champions are making the 11^th NCAA postseason appearance in program history and the first since 2016.

WWU battled tough winds and a long course on Tuesday, shooting a 43-over-par round of 331. The Vikings are in 9^th place out of nine teams in the West Regional, which includes six teams listed in the national top 25 rankings.

“Today was a tough one for the team. There was a wild storm that blew in last night and created some different and challenging conditions for them today that they were not able to adjust to,” said WWU Director of Golf Luke Bennett. “We’ll look to have a solid finish to the tournament tomorrow to build off what has been a great experience for the members of this program.”

Sophomore Sarah Shea and freshman Elise Sumner are tied for 36^th place in the 48-player field at 17-over-par 161. Shea turned in a 10-over-par round of 82 in Tuesday’s second round, with Sumner shooting an 11-over-par 83.

Freshman Dani Bailey recorded the best round of the day for the Vikings with a 9-over-par 81 and is tied for 42^nd place at 19-over-par 163.

St. Mary’s (TX) continues to lead the nine-team tournament with a 12-stroke advantage over West Texas A&M. St. Mary’s is at 11-over-par 587 through the first 36 holes of the 54-hole tournament, with WTAMU at 23-over-par 599. Tournament host and nationally No. 1-ranked Dallas Baptist is in third place at 24-over-par 600.

Sofia Ruescas of St. Mary’s remains in the lead for individual medalist honors at 3-under-par 141 following a 1-over-par round of 73 on Tuesday. She holds a two-stroke lead over Camilla Jarvela of Oklahoma Christian. Only two players in the 48-player field carded a round of par or better during Tuesday’s second round.

The top three teams at the conclusion of the tournament and top three individuals (not on the three teams) will qualify for NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship Finals May 11-15 at TPC Michigan in Dearborn, Michigan.

Wednesday’s final round is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am CT/6:30 am PT with the Vikings teeing off the 10^th hole while paired with Point Loma and Westminster (UT).