SPENCER, Iowa – The College of Saint Mary golf team saw its season come to a close Tuesday as the Flames finished sixth in the Great Plains Athletic Conference Championships.

Playing in a different qualifier format this year, the Flames were in eighth place after the opening round with a 367. Then CSM climbed as high as tied for fourth place after a strong second round of 355. Both of those rounds were played Monday. On Tuesday the Flames shot a 359 in the third round for a two-day team score of 1,081.

"Our goal was to be in the top half of the conference," CSM Coach Keri Rodriguez said. "So we accomplished that goal. But when we were as high as fourth our expectations rose a little bit. It was anyone's game. But today was not our day. We just got outplayed."

Briar Cliff University won the tournament with 1,042. Dakota Wesleyan University took second with 1,053 and Mount Marty University placed third with 1,070. Coming in fourth was Northwestern College with 1,073 and University of Jamestown finished fifth with 1,075. Finishing behind the Flames were: Morningside University 1,087; Hastings College 1,094; Dordt University 1,101; Concordia University 1,105; Doane University 1,211 and Midland University 1,415.

The individual medalist was Sofia Castelan from Morningside with a 54-hole total of 244 (+28). Castelan is the back-to-back medalist after winning the 2022 event. She will represent the GPAC individually at the NAIA National Championship along with Briar Cliff representing the GPAC in team competition.

Torrance Loudner had CSM's top finish as she shot 91-88-89—268 and tied for 14^th place. Teammate Gabby Sinnett tied for 20^th with her scores of 93-89-88—270. Tori Suto tied for 22^nd place with 89-90-92—271 and Emily Faubel was close behind with 94-88-90—272 which tied her for 25^th place. Anna Moore shot 107-99-105—311 for 46^th place.

"There were tough conditions today with the wind and temperatures," Rodriguez said. "Only two people in the whole tournament had rounds in the 70s. But everyone had to play in those conditions."

The tournament wrapped up strong careers for seniors Loudner and Suto. They, along with senior Erynn Milan, will be missed by the Flames.

"It's hard losing two of our Top 5 players," Rodriguez said. "We appreciate the dedication Torrie, Tori and Erynn have had for our program for four years. They are going to be hard to replace.

"But we're excited about some of the players we have coming in and our returners gained some valuable experience this year. We're looking forward to next year."