LARCHWOOD – After closing day one just three strokes away from the lead, the Cougars zipped into first in the second round to claim their first title of the year. Annie Balduzzi & Ashley Tackett finished top 10.
 
The Cougars benefited from a collective effort en route to their title. No Cougars placed higher than 5^th but there was also no Cougar lower than 18^th. Balduzzi led the Cougars with her t5th place finish while Tackett joined her in the top 10 by tying for 9^th. Savannah Vincent and Maddi Hanson also put on great showings as they finished 11^th and t12th respectively. Emily Harste rounded out the winning team with her 18^th place finish as the Cougars posted a +122, 698 (341-357).
 
"I'm really proud of this team, not just for this victory, but for their resiliency this year. We've been golfing with just five golfers and they've all stepped up their game. To win with nobody higher than 5^th is difficult and it takes a strong effort from everyone to make it happen. That was a wonderful team effort." – Head Coach Wade Merry
 
Top teams-
USF: +122, 698 (341-357)
Dakota Wesleyan: +127, 703 (338-365)
U Mary: +131, 707 (346-361)
 
Top players-
Megan Hinker (Dakota Wesleyan): +10, 154 (73-81)
Taylor Cormier (Minot): +24, 168 (79-89)
Jayme Carlson (U Jamestown): +25, 169 (83-86)
 
USF stats-
 
Annie Balduzzi: t5th, +27, 171 (81-90), Round 1: 1 birdie and 11 pars, Round 2: 1 eagle, 1 birdie & 4 pars, Total: 1 eagle, 2 birdies & 15 pars
 
Ashley Tackett: t9th, +30, 174 (85-89), Round 1: 1 birdie & 8 pars, Round 2: 6 pars, Total: 1 birdie & 14 pars
 
Maddi Hanson: t12th, +33, 177 (89-88), Round 1: 9 pars, Round 2: 1 birdie & 5 pars, Total: 1 birdie & 14 pars
 
Emily Harste: 18th, +40, 184 (93-91), Round 1: 5 pars, Round 2: 1 birdie & 5 pars, Total: 1 birdie & 10 pars
 
Savannah Vincent: 11th, +32, 176 (86-90), Round 1: 1 birdie & 7 pars, Round 2: 6 pars, Total: 1 birdie & 13 pars
 
The Cougars will close out the fall season with a trip to Missouri for the Midwest Fall Classic at the beginning of next week. Follow USF Golf on Twitter (@USiouxFallsGolf) and Instagram (@USiouxFallsGolf) or download the USF Cougars app here!