(Photo courtesy of Wyoming Athletic Media Relations)
The Idaho women’s golf team earned a team tournament title with a victory at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic Tuesday in Maricopa, Arizona.
The Vandals earned an eight-stroke victory over second place finisher Santa Clara.
“We had every member of our team contribute this week so it was a total team effort,” Idaho head coach Lisa Johnson said.
Nineteen teams competed in the tournament Monday and Tuesday. Idaho finished the tournament with a score of 873 during the 54-hole tournament, while Santa Clara finished second with an 881.
Washington State earned a third place finish in team competition, falling behind the Broncos by four strokes. Nevada and Boise State finished in a tie for fourth after posting identical scores of 888.
“This was our best event so far this season,” said Boise State head coach Nicole Bird. “We had very consistent play and that’s what we need before we head to the conference championship in two weeks. We are starting to find our rhythm and be able to score, even when we don’t hit it perfect or miss some shots.”
Senior Kristin Strankman provided the strongest performance for the Vandals with a 2-over-par 218 to tie for sixth place in individual competition.
Fellow senior Cassie McKinley and freshman Michelle Kim helped solidify Idaho’s victory by both shooting a 4-over-par 220 to earn a ninth place finish in individual competition.
Johnson said the stability of the seniors allowed the Vandals to capitalize on strong showings from team members.
“Both our seniors stepped up and posted rounds of par or better when we needed it most,” Johnson said.
Vandal sophomore Kendall Gray finished in a tie for 20th with a 7-over-par 223, while freshman Sophie Hausmann completed the tournament with an 8-over-par 224 to earn a 23rd place finish.
“It was impressive that our team responded so well to being in the lead groups today with it being our first time in contention this year,” Johnson said.
Santa Clara junior Annie Freman earned the individual title with a 9-under-par 207. Freman matched her previous 18-hole best during the final round, shooting a 5-under-par 67 to win the competition.
“It was hard to put into words” said Santa Clara head coach Krystal Kelly. “Annie played so well today. She was steady, she hit a bunch of greens and made six birdies. It was fun watching her play.”
The Vandals will travel to Boulder City, Nevada, to compete in the Big Sky Championship April 18 at the Boulder Creek Golf Course.
Mihaela Karst can be reached at [email protected]