CSM wraps up GPAC Championship in 11th place
SPENCER, Iowa -- The College of Saint Mary golf team concluded the Great Plains Athletic Conference Golf Championship in 11th place on Tuesday.
Morningside University won the team title, shooting 326 to widen their margin over second place Briar Cliff University at the Spencer Golf and Country Club. The Mustangs claimed a 30-stroke victory, finishing with a score of 972 to BCU's 1,002. The Flames shot 1,072 as a team.
Playing conditions were again a significant factor for all involved as the wind wreaked havoc on the course as players were forced to use 200-plus yard clubs, in some cases drivers, on the Par 3s into the wind.
Despite the conditions, head coach Keri Rodriguez was proud of her team's effort, saying that it, "was not the finish we were hoping for but we tried our hardest."
Emily Faubel was the top finisher for the Flames, placing in a tie for 21st place in the 57-golfer field.
Gabby Sinnett turned in her best round of the week with an 88 and Katie Freeman matched her best with an 89. Sinnett finished tied for 35th and Freeman placed 41st, respectively.
Anna Moore and Ritzy Dominguez were both consistent with their scores as the former shot 94 and the latter turned in a 93. They finished 46th and 50th in the field.
Sofia Castelan (Morningside) took home individual medalist honors, holding off a charge from Kaitlyn Dunbar who fired a tournament-best 1-over final round but still finished eight strokes back. Castelan shot 12-over (228) for the tournament.
"We talked about what we need to do next year to help us climb up the ranks," said coach Rodriguez with an eye towards the future before adding, "we have solid returners and we'll have a few new recruits that will make next year one of our best seasons yet."