OWENSBORO, Ky. – The University of Findlay women's golf program delivered an East Super Regional championship trophy, officially now one of 16 programs across the country in contention for the national title.
The Oilers emerged as champs in a loaded East Region at The Pearl Club, home of Kentucky Wesleyan. Findlay, ranked 15th in the WGCA Coaches Poll, toppled defending NCAA team champion UIndy by an eight-stroke margin when the final scorecards were turned in.
The Oilers had a three-round total of 895 (303-291-301) on the par 72, 5,989-yard layout and are officially heading to the Sunshine State on May 14-18 for nationals.
Also qualifying for nationals out of the East Super Region was UIndy (GLVC), Grand Valley State (GLIAC) and Missouri-St. Louis (GLVC).
UF's Makenzie Torres finished runner-up in the entire field, starring with a 77-73-71 for a tournament total of 221 (+5). Great Midwest Championship medalist Meredith Wipper tied for third with two others, posting the tourney's best second-round total with a 70 (-2).
Torres competed at nationals last year as a qualifying individual out of super regional competition. She was credited with the best score of the final round as 65 total competitors were scored.
Joining their teammates in the top 10 was sophomore Kristina Kniesly and senior Samantha Hatter, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively.
Also competing in the East Super Regional field was Tiffin and Malone's Christina Williams, who qualified as an individual.
Tiffin made a valiant third-round charge up the leaderboard and just missed the cut line for also qualifying for nationals. The Dragons ended up placing fifth out of 12 and Williams also had a great three-day showing with a tie for 17th.
Four Super Regional tournaments were conducted May 6-8, with each super region consisting of 12 teams and six individuals.
The top four finishing schools and top four individuals not with an advancing team from each Super Regional will now play at PGA National Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida for the national championships held from May 14-18.
Findlay women's golf delivered the second regional title this year for the Great Midwest along with Ohio Valley men's soccer in the Midwest Regional in the fall.