SIOUX FALLS – Champions. For the first time in program history, the University of Sioux Falls Women's Golf Team has won a team championship by capturing the Augustana Invitational at the Elmwood Golf Course on Sunday, Sept. 29. It was a record-setting day, as USF junior Lexi Jonas of Hudson, Wis., won her first individual title after a carding a career-low in the final round on her way to medalist honors.
 

It was indeed a special day for the USF Women's Golf Team as they had an individual win medalist honors for the second straight tournament. And, after finishing runner-up as a team six times in program history, the Cougars stepped into the winner's circle on a cool and rainy Sunday afternoon with a two-round total of 43-over par 619 (313-306). USF finished seven shots ahead of Augustana, which finished 50-over par and 626 (312-314). Northwest Missouri State was third with a 65-over par total of 641 (316-325) with Minot State in fourth at 71-over par and 647 (331-316).
 
USF Head Golf Coach Tavia Rutherford was pleased and proud of her team's performance. "I'm so incredibly proud of the women's fight today. They battled on the course in tough conditions and executed when it mattered the most," said Rutherford, who won her first team title as a head coach and did it on her birthday. And, with the men's team also winning a title, she had two wins in one day. "To win the individual medalist and the team championship with both programs at home was a phenomenal achievement. This team keeps raising the bar and challenging each other to get better each time they step on the course. I am excited to see what is next for this team," she said.
 
As for Jonas, she claimed medalist honors for the first time with a seven-over par total of 151 (78-73). After opening with a 78 on Saturday, she closed with a career-best round of 73. As a result, she finished one shot ahead of Augustana's Hannah Hankinson (152), who was the preseason NSIC Women's Golfer of the Year.
 
"Lexi Jonas had an awesome tournament," said Rutherford. "To shoot her career low (round) in the conditions we had today is impressive. She stayed steady throughout and committed to playing her game. This is a huge accomplishment for her and the program," she said.
 
Aside from Jonas, the Cougars had three individuals tied for fourth. Senior Lexi Hanson, who was named the NSIC Women's Golfer of the Week on Thursday, finished at 156 (78-78) with consecutive rounds of 78. Junior Sydney Hubbard also had a 156 (79-77) as she opened with a 79 on day one and closed at 77 to also tie for fourth. Playing as an individual, freshman Maggie Veenendall was also at 12-over, 156 (79-77) as she a 79 on day one and closed at 77.
 
Junior Alex Nutter finished 19^th with an 18-over par two-round total of 162 (8-84). Also for USF, freshman Annie Balduzzi was tied for 22^nd with her teammate Kyleigh Moran, who was playing as an individual. Balduzzi had a 164 (86-78) as she opened with an 86 and then cut eight shots on the total with a 78. Meanwhile Moran also carded a 20-over par 164 (84-80) as she opened with an 84 on day one and knocked four shots off that total with an 80 today.
 
Also for USF, freshman Maddi Hanson was 35^th at the Augie Invite with a 28-over par two-round total of 172 (85-87). After opening with an 85, she closed with an 87 in her first performance as a collegian. Senior Taylor Sudenga was 53^rd with a 42-over par total of 186 (95-91).
 
Next USF Women's Golf will close the fall golf season by competing at the Midwest Classic Golf Tournament at the Mules National Golf Club in Warrensburg, Mo., on Oct. 7-8.
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