MSUB women wrap up final round at MSU Invite Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Evan O’Kelly Director of Communications O: (406) 657-2130 E: evan.okelly@msubillings.edu Tuesday, April 12, 2016 MSUB women wrap up final round at MSU Invite Tuesday

Four of MSUB’s women’s golfers post their best rounds of the tournament on Tuesday, as the Yellowjackets wrap up play at the MSU Invite in Arizona.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Four Montana State University Billings women’s golfers posted their best rounds of the week on Tuesday, as the Yellowjackets wrapped up play at the Montana State University Invitational at the Golf Club of Estrella.

MSUB posted its best team score of the three rounds with a 317 the final time through the course, and finished in 16th place overall with a score of 982 (328-337-317). The Yellowjackets were the lone NCAA Division II team represented among the field of 17 teams, as the other 16 compete at the Division I level.

“I was very pleased that we shaved 10 strokes off of our previous low round from yesterday,” said MSUB head coach Kevin Woodin. “The wind was tricky today and there were many tough pins, but I felt that our players worked very hard.”

Leading the way for the ‘Jackets was sophomore Sammy Walter, who finished tied for 52nd place with a three-round total of 240 (78-80-82). Bailee Dexter improved on her score each round, finishing in a tie for 67th place with a total of 246 (84-82-80). Haley Shackelford and Anna DeMars each broke the 80 mark in their final rounds, with Shackelford’s 77

in Round 3 standing as the best individual round of the event for MSUB. The junior finished in a tie for 71st place with a score of 248 (84-87-77), while DeMars was two strokes behind at 250 (82-90-78). “Anna and Haley both had very solid rounds,” Woodin said. “They were able to improve on yesterday’s scores and play more consistently throughout their final rounds. Sammy and Bailee had very good, consistent tournaments as well.”

Kortney McNeil rounded out the team field of five for the ‘Jackets, finishing in 97th place with a score of 268 (94-88-86). Shealyn Hafer competed for the ‘Jackets as an individual, finishing in a tie for 86th place with a 254 (82-84-88).

Seattle University held off the University of Wyoming by one stroke to claim the title, with a three-round score of 893 (291-309-293). Kala Keltz of the University of Northern Colorado won medalist honors with a score of 219 (71-71-77), beating SU’s Alexus Song by a single stroke.

Shackelford was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day, posting the best individual round for the ‘Jackets. “This was good competition for us to help get ready for next week’s GNAC Championships,” said Woodin.

Freshman Anna DeMars was one of two players for MSUB to break the 80 mark on Tuesday with a 78.

NEXT UP: MSUB heads to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships, running Monday and Tuesday next week at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Yellowjackets have wound up as the runners up at the conference event each of the last two seasons.

2016 MSU Invitational – Final Results Golf Club of Estrella | April 12, 2016 | Par-71, 6,305 Yards Team – 1. Seattle University, 893 (291-309-293); 16. MSUB, 982 (328-337-317). Individuals – 1. Kala Keltz, Northern Colorado, 219 (71-71-77). T52. Sammy Walter, MSUB, 240 (78-80-82); T67. Bailee Dexter, MSUB, 246 (84-82-80); T71.

Haley Shackelford, MSUB, 248 (84-87-77); T78. Anna DeMars, MSUB, 250 (82-90-78); T86. Shealyn Hafer, MSUB, 254 (82-84-88); 97. Kortney McNeil, MSUB, 268 (94-88-86).

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