SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Following one of the program's strongest seasons in recent memory, the University of Sioux Falls Women's Golf team and head coach Wade Merry have announced the Cougars' 2026 fall schedule.

The six-event slate features regional competition across four states, highlighted by the annual USF Invitational and several tournaments that will provide an early measuring stick against some of the top teams in NCAA Division II.

USF enters the season after recording a team scoring average of 323.65 during the 2025-26 campaign, posting six top-10 finishes, two top-five finishes and a runner-up finish at the Augustana Spring Invitational. The Cougars also placed fifth at the NSIC Women's Golf Championship, their highest conference finish since 2022.

USF returns a veteran lineup led by seniors Abbie Ritzer, Tanna Phares and Bryn Huber, three golfers who have been fixtures in the Cougars' lineup throughout their careers. Combined with a talented group of returning underclassmen and three incoming freshmen, Merry believes the 2026-27 season could be a pivotal one for the program.

"This is a good schedule for us and we are going to see right away how much work everyone put in this summer when we compete against some of the best teams in our region the first tournament of the year," said Merry.

The Cougars open the season at the Central Region Fall Preview on Sept. 8-9, providing an early opportunity to measure themselves against many of the teams they hope to compete with throughout the year.

"This is an important season for our program," Merry added. "We have three seniors who have been in our starting lineup since they were freshmen and they have to really step up their games if we are going to contend for a conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Regional Championship."

USF also returns one of the top young players in the NSIC in sophomore Gwen Latunski, who led the team with an 80.82 scoring average as a freshman, recorded one tournament victory and four top-10 finishes and captured medalist honors at the Augustana Spring Invitational. Latunski posted a season-low round of 71 at The Jewel Invitational and helped lead the Cougars to a runner-up team finish at the Augustana Spring Invitational.

In addition to its returning core, USF welcomes three freshmen to the roster in Ava Cooper (Fargo, N.D.), Molly Halvorson (Madison, Minn.) and Lyric Riepma (Sioux Falls, S.D.).

"I expect Gwen to be even better than she was as a freshman and I'm excited to see how the freshmen adjust to college golf," said Merry. "We have a good mix of experience and young talent, and we're looking forward to getting the season started."

The season begins Sept. 8-9 at the Central Region Fall Preview hosted by Oklahoma Baptist at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Missouri. The event will feature many of the top programs from across the region and provide an early benchmark for the Cougars.

USF then travels to Bemidji, Minnesota, for the Tracy Lane Invitational on Sept. 14-15 at Bemidji Town & Country Club before returning to a familiar venue at The Jewel Invitational hosted by Concordia-St. Paul in Lake City, Minnesota. Last season, Latunski finished ninth individually at The Jewel after firing rounds of 80 and 71.

The Cougars continue conference competition at the Mustang Invitational hosted by Southwest Minnesota State on Sept. 26-27 at Marshall Golf Club. USF finished sixth at the event a year ago, led by Abbie Ritzer's tie for 16th place.

Following a short break, the Cougars will host the annual USF Invitational on Oct. 12-13 at The Falls Golf Course in Larchwood, Iowa. The home tournament annually attracts programs from across the region and provides USF an opportunity to compete in front of family, friends and supporters.

USF closes the fall season at the Indian Creek Shootout, hosted by Augustana and Wayne State on Oct. 19-20 at Indian Creek Golf Club in Omaha, Nebraska.

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