Sept. 20, 2005
Complete Results
MUSKOGEE, Okla. - Western Washington University's Katja Trygg (Sr., Bainbridge Island) carded a 1-over par 73 to finish second by one stroke and the Vikings shot a final-round 303 to claim the championship at the 17-team Northeastern State University Invitational Women's Golf Tournament which concluded Tuesday at the Cobblestone Golf Club.
It was the season debut for the Vikings, who placed fifth at the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championships. Their closing round was the best of the tournament as they posted a 36-hole total of 614, six strokes better than runner-up Drury MO (313-307). St. Mary's TX was third at 628 (319-309).
"I was thrilled because it was such a team effort," said first-year Western head coach Bo Stephan. "They gave themselves birdie opportunities all day long and capitalized on a lot of them."
"The wind was not nearly as intense today, but it was probably 95-degrees and it felt hotter than that."
Trygg, who earned first-team All-America honors last season, just missed the sixth medalist effort of her four-year career. Her 5-over total of 149 was just one behind Drury's Tonya Choate (74-74), who entered the final round just a stroke out of the lead.
Western's Catherine Kim (So., Bellevue/Skyline), the first-round leader after shooting 73 Monday, was one of three Vikings to tie for 10th at 156. The others were Katie Bender (Jr., Tacoma/Bellarmine Prep), who finished with a 74; and Candice Wagner (Sr., Milton/Fife), who had a closing 75. The Vikings' Jennifer Noland (So., Kennewick/Southridge) tied for 26th at 162 (81-81).
Finishing third in medalist play at 151 (75) was Central Arkansas' Ashley Kelly. She placed 10th at nationals last year, setting a NCAA II single-round record with a 4-under 69. Kelly and Trygg were tied for fourth entering play Tuesday.
"My goal for the team was to win every tournament this fall, and you can't do that without winning here, so I'm happy that we did that," Stephan said.
"This is one of the better tournaments as far as strength of field, so that should help us in the regional and national rankings."
On Sept. 26-27, Western tries to defend its title at the Grand Canyon University Fall Invitational.
