By: Clint Neumann
WAYNE, Neb. – The University of Sioux Falls women's golf team competed with both an A and B squad at the Wildcat Classic, held April 13–14 at Wayne Country Club. The Cougars' A team led the way with a fifth-place finish, posting a two-round total of 612 (+36) in a competitive 15-team field.
Sioux Falls' B team gained valuable experience, finishing 13th overall at 687 (+111). Across both squads, the Cougars showed balanced scoring and steady improvement, highlighted by a top-five finish from Abbie Ritzer and multiple top-30 performances from the A team lineup.
Tournament Snapshot
- Top Cougar Finish: Abbie Ritzer – T5 (+7, 73-78=151)
- Lowest Round: 73 (Abbie Ritzer – Round 1)
- Team Best Round: 305 (+17)
- Tournament Champion: Nebraska Kearney (+26)
- Number of Teams: 15
How It Happened
The Cougars' A team opened the tournament with a solid 305 (+17), positioning themselves in the middle of a tightly contested leaderboard. Consistent scoring throughout the lineup kept Sioux Falls within reach of the top three heading into the final round.
In round two, USF added a 307 (+19) to secure a fifth-place finish. The Cougars maintained steady play across both rounds, with four golfers finishing inside the top 30. The B team also showed development over the two days, competing in a deep field and gaining experience heading into the postseason.
Top Cougar Performers
Ritzer led the Cougars with a tie for fifth-place finish, carding rounds of 73 (+1) and 78 (+6) for a two-round total of 151 (+7). Her opening-round 73 was the lowest round by a Cougar in the tournament and set the tone for Sioux Falls.
Phares added a strong performance, finishing 16th at 153 (+9) with rounds of 77 and 76, showing consistency across both days. Latunski followed with a tie for 21st at 155 (+11), highlighted by a second-round 75 that marked one of the team's best rounds of the tournament.
Karsnia and Huber each finished tied for 29th at 157 (+13), providing depth to the A team lineup. On the B team side, Nelson led the group with a tie for 42nd finish at 160 (+16), while VanDenTop, Thorfinnson, and Fuls rounded out the Cougar competitors.
Cougar Scorecard
Coach's Corner
"We just had another really good tournament. Both days we had four in the 70s, which has to happen if you're going to compete in our conference. The girls are believing in themselves, know they can play better, and most importantly, are anxious to play in the NSIC tournament."
- Head Coach Wade Merry
Up Next
Sioux Falls now turns its focus to the NSIC Championships, set for April 22–24 at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Mo., where the Cougars will look to build on their consistent play and depth across the lineup.
Stay Connected
For all things USF Golf, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!
