DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. – Simply put, it was the best showing by a College of Saint Mary golf team in its 11-year participation in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.

And by a wide margin.

Entering this week, the Flames had never placed higher than sixth in the GPAC National Qualifier. On Tuesday, to the delight of their coach, they put a bow on a third-place finish at Dakota Dunes Country Club.

"You always hope your team peaks at the right time – and they absolutely did,'' said Keri Rodriguez, who has been the CSM head coach in all 11 of those seasons. "I couldn't be more proud of this team's resilience and mental toughness over 54 holes.''

After playing 27 holes on Monday, the teams played 27 more on Tuesday – all in less-than-ideal conditions. When the dust settled, Morningside University won the team title and the trip to nationals in Ypsilanti, Mich., with a 323-313-317—953. Doane University was second with a 332-335-311—978. And the Flames were third with a 337-346-327—1010.

The top 10 finishers earned spots on the All-Tournament Team, and sophomore Victoria Farkas of CSM was one of the honorees. She placed sixth with an 81-81-79—241, carding four birdies over the two days.

"Victoria had an outstanding tournament,'' Rodriguez said.

Junior Katie Freeman tied for 14^th with an 86-86-84—256, while freshman Frede Weiss tied for 21^st with an 84-93-82—259. Senior Emily Faubel placed 25^th after an 86-91-84—261, and freshman Sofia Chavez tied for 31^st with a 95-88-82—265.

"I'm incredibly proud of how we competed all season – this finish was truly the icing on the cake,'' Rodriguez said. "While we'll miss our seniors, we have a strong core returning and some talented recruits on the way. The future is bright for CSM Golf.''

The individual medalist and national qualifier for the second straight year was Allison Meyerink of Dakota Wesleyan with a 78-76-79—233.

Here are the rest of the team totals, after CSM: 4, Concordia University 1032; 5, Briar Cliff University 1033; 6, Hastings College 1038; 7, Northwestern College 1053; 8, Mount Marty University 1077; 9, Dakota Wesleyan University 1095; 10, Dordt University 1123; t11 Midland 1242; t11, Waldorf University 1242.

The GPAC all-conference teams will be announced in the coming week.