March 28, 2006
Complete Results
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Helped by the strong finishes of its top three players, the nationally ranked Western Washington University women's golf team successfully defended its title at the 17-team Grand Canyon University Invitational Tournament which concluded Tuesday at Palm Valley Golf Course.
The Vikings, ranked No.3 in the National Golf Coaches Association/NCAA Division II Poll, shot a final-round 309 for a 36-hole total of 615. That was five strokes better than runner-up St. Mary's (312=620). Tied for third at 621 were Northeastern State (310) and St. Edwards (309).
It was Western's sixth victory in seven tournaments this season.
"We were really sweating this one out at the end," said Western coach Bo Stephan. "With three holes to go, I told our final three players that I felt we needed to pick up a couple shots in order to win ... And I couldn't be prouder with how they responded."
The Vikings Katja Trygg (Sr., Bainbridge Island) finished with three pars and Candice Wagner (Sr., Milton/Fife) and Catherine Kim (So., Bellevue/Skyline) each closed out their rounds with two pars and a birdie.
Kim placed fifth in medalist play, shooting 75 for a 149 total. Wagner tied for seventh at 152 (75), Trygg tied for 11th at 154 (78), Jennifer Noland (So., Kennewick/Southridge) tied for 32nd at 160 (81) and Katie Bender (Jr., Tacoma/Bellarmine Prep) tied for 48th at 164 (81).
Central Oklahoma's Ashley Kelley took medalist honors, winning in a playoff with Grand Canyon's Jessica McKay, after each finished at 1-under 143.
Western makes it final regular-season appearance on Apr. 10-11 at the Chico State Spring Classic to be held at Butte Creek Golf and Country Club.
