LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. --- The Minnesota State women's golf team wrapped up a successful SMSU Challenge Friday afternoon with both the team and individual titles.
As a unit, Minnesota State shot a 304 on the second day, which was 16 over par. Over the course of the event, the Mavericks recorded a 315-304—619 to win the team event, besting Colorado Mesa by one stroke.
Individually, Minnesota State senior Anna Cihak finished tied for first place with a 76-73—149. Her round featured three birdies, including back-to-back birdies to start the back nine. Cihak tied with Colorado Mesa's Cassidy Phelan who recorded a 72-77—149. Her round of 73 was the low round on day two between her and Pehlan, giving Cihak medalist honors.
Cihak finished tied for fourth in par three scoring with a 3.33 and her eight birdies was tied for the most in the field with Jordan Grasis of Chadron State.
The event is held at the WigWam Blue Course, a par-72 track that is playing at 5,801 yards.
Freshman Victoria Woytassek – who participated in the event as an individual – finished in fourth. Woytassek recorded a 76 on the day and finished with a 76-76—152. She finished the event with 24 pars, the second most in the field, and played the par fours to a 4.17, the third best average.
Sophomore Ava Olson also turned in a top-ten finish as she shot a 76-78—154 en route to tying for seventh place. Olson and Cihak led the event in par-four scoring at 4.00.
Senior Kelly Winter finished her two-days with an 81-76—157, good for 13th. Winter carded three birdies on the day. Maverick sophomore Samantha Youngquist carded a hole in one on the par three 15th, a hole which played to 121- yards. Youngquist, who recorded her first career ace, using a pitching wedge. On the day, Youngquist recorded a 78 and finished with an 82-78—160, which was 23rd
Individually, freshman Claire Schweim shot an 84-77—161, while sophomore Lauren Rebrovich shot an 84-88—172 and freshman Emma Berge shot an 84-91—175.
"I'm super happy with how the women came ready to play today," said head coach Alex Schmitz. "They continued to focus and commit to every shot. Sammy Youngquist making a hole in one on top of the team win is something that cannot be beat!"
As a team, the Mavericks dominated all categories. Minnesota State led the field in scoring average on the par fours (4.33) and par fives (5.10) and was third in par three scoring (3.58). The Mavericks recorded a tournament best 21 birdies and two eagles, while finishing second in pars with 90.
The Mavericks return to action April 6-7 when they travel to Waterloo, Iowa, to participate in the Upper Iowa University Invite.
