By: Clint Neumann
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – The University of Sioux Falls women's golf team turned in a strong showing at the NSIC Championship, finishing fifth in a 13-team field at Adams Pointe Golf Club with a three-round total of 953 (+89). The finish capped a competitive week for the Cougars, who sat tied for second after the opening round and remained in contention throughout the tournament.
Sioux Falls opened the championship with a 308 (+20), matching the second-best first-round team score in the field and putting itself in position near the top of the leaderboard. Bryn Huber and Tanna Phares both fueled that start, ending day one tied for second individually after opening rounds of 74 (+2).
Tournament Snapshot
- Top Cougar Finish: Tanna Phares – T11 (+19, 74-82-79=235)
- Lowest Round: 74 (Tanna Phares, Bryn Huber – Round 1)
- Team Best Round: 308 (+20)
- Tournament Champion: Wayne State (+62)
- Number of Teams: 13
How It Happened
The Cougars set the tone early with one of their best opening rounds of the season, positioning themselves tied for second after day one. Balanced scoring across the lineup and poise on a demanding Adams Pointe setup kept Sioux Falls firmly in the championship conversation.
Round two proved more challenging, as the Cougars posted a 328 (+40), slipping in the standings. Still, Sioux Falls responded in the final round with a 317 (+29), closing the event with a steadier performance to lock in fifth place. The ability to regroup after a difficult middle round showed the resilience of a young lineup competing in one of the conference's deepest fields.
Top Cougar Performers
Phares led the way for Sioux Falls, finishing tied for 11th at 235 (+19). Her opening-round 74 put her near the top of the individual leaderboard, and she followed with a solid closing round of 79 to secure the team's top finish.
Huber was close behind, placing 15th at 237 (+21) with rounds of 74, 83 and 80. Sophia Karsnia added a strong three-round performance, tying for 18th at 239 (+23), while Ritzer closed well with a final-round 77 to finish 24th at 242 (+26).
Though Gwen Latunski competed in the opening two rounds before Avery Nelson stepped into the lineup for round three, both contributed to the team effort that produced one of the program's stronger conference finishes.
Cougar Scorecard
Coach's Corner
"We opened really well on Wednesday, putting ourselves in the position we wanted to be. But a poor second round cost us."
- Head Coach Wade Merry
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