Women's Golf | February 26, 2017
RIO VERDE, Ariz. – The Western Michigan golf team wrapped up hosting the 2017 Rio Verde Invitational on Sunday at the White Wing Course at the Rio Verde Country Club, tying for eighth place.
Eastern Michigan took the tournament title after shooting a three-round combined score of 889 (+25). Northern Illinois took second with a score of 893 (+29) and UMKC finished in third place with a score of 895 (+31). The Broncos combined to shoot 909 (+45) with a 300 on the final day of competition. Akron's Danielle Nicholson was the individual medalist after shooting 215 (-1).
WMU improved upon last year's finish by taking 14 total strokes off its combined score.
"After a rocky first round start, the team fell into a good rhythm for the second and third rounds," said head coach Elise Swartout-Mosher. "Today with all five players in the 70's shows what we are capable of as a team. We are looking forward to continuing to work hard and improve."
"I cannot thank Darryl, Joe and the entire staff and membership at Rio Verde for a wonderful weekend," Swartout-Mosher added.
Senior Kaitlyn Watkins was the top finisher for Western Michigan. After shooting a final round score of 72 she finished the weekend with a combined total of 222 (+6) and in a four-way tie for fourth place. Watkins was also tied for seventh in birdies with nine during the three days.
Freshman Jasmine Chee and junior Julia Champion finished tied for 33rd with a final score of 228 (+12). Chee had the slightly better final round, shooting a 75 to Champion's 77. Fellow senior Anna Wilcoxson finished her weekend with a 78 and a total of 233 (+17). Sophomore Claire Hernandez had her best round of the tournament on the final day, shooting a 76 to put her final total at 241 (+25).
The Broncos have some time off before heading to the John Kirk Panther hosted by Georgia State, March 26-28.
