MSUB Women's Golf Recap 10/6/15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Evan O’Kelly Director of Communications O: (406) 657-2130 E: evan.okelly@msubillings.edu Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Yellowjacket women tie for 7th at Dixie State Invite; Hafer hits hole-in-one

MSUB’s women’s golf team ties for seventh place, and freshman Shealyn Hafer drains a hole-in-one to highlight the tournament for the Yellowjackets.

HURRICANE, Utah – Shealyn Hafer drilled a hole-in-one and the Montana State University Billings women’s golf team wrapped up the second and final round at the Dixie State University Invitational finishing in a tie for seventh place with a score of 623 (314-309) on Tuesday at Sand Hollow Golf Course.

“As a team we played well this week, and we are continuing to improve every tournament,” commented MSUB head coach Shawn O’Brien. “I believe we are evolving into a very competitive team within our region and on a national stage.

It is unfortunate we came up one shot short of a few teams, but the reality is week-in and week-out, each tournament is going to be very close. Last week, we were on the upper end of that, and this week we fell just short. Regardless of the outcome today, I am proud that we bounced back, shooting 309 which was second on the day in team scoring.”

Hafer lined up on the 100-yard, par-3 15th hole and watched as her tee shot caught the right side of the green and rolled down into the cup. The eagle was one of two among the entire tournament field, and Hafer finished the event in 50th place with a 164 (87-77) competing as an individual.

“I am very excited for Shealyn, as hitting a hole-in-one is an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often,” said MSUB head coach Shawn O’Brien. “This will be a moment she’ll remember for the rest of her life.”

After leading the team with a 76 in Round 1, freshman Anna DeMars matched the score in the second round to give her a 152 on the tournament. Fellow freshman Kortney McNeil fired a 1-over-par 73 on Day 2 to match DeMars with a 152 as the players finished in a tie for ninth place.

“I thought Kortney bounced back really well today, placing in the top-10 in the tournament,” O’Brien said. “I am proud of her along with Anna, who played very consistently both days and also placed in the top-10.”

McNeil, the reigning GNAC Player of the Week, shot a 79 in Round 1 and had the third-most pars in the tournament with 23. DeMars led the Yellowjackets with five birdies at the event.

Factoring into the team scoring for MSUB, sophomore Bailee Dexter finished tied for 29th place with a two-round total of 159 (78-81). Junior captain Haley Shackelford was just one stroke behind Dexter, tying for 33rd place with a 160 (8179).

Rounding out the field for MSUB was sophomore Sammy Walter, who finished in 61st place with a 170 (86-84).

Winning the team title was Point Loma Nazarene University, which shot a two-round total of 609 (302-307) to claim first place. Sonoma State University finished in a distant second place at 619 (306-313) among the field of 13 teams.

Individually, Johany Rivera of St. Edward’s University ran away with medalist honors, shooting an even-par 72 in each round for a 144 total.

Also competing in the event from the GNAC was Western Washington University, which edged MSUB by a single stroke and tied for fourth place with a 622 (310-312). The teams finishing in second-through-seventh place were separated by just four strokes total, as the upper portion of the field competed closely.

THE BUZZ: Hafer’s hole-in-one was the second of the year for the MSUB golf program, as men’s golf freshman Scott Larson drilled an ace on the very first swing of his collegiate career last month…Hafer earned St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day honors…the hole-in-one was the first of Hafer’s golf career…the top-10 finish was the third of the season for McNeil in eight total rounds over four events.

“We are looking to bounce back quickly after a day of rest, then playing in our home tournament at the end of the week,” O’Brien said. “Our expectations are set high to go out and score well.”

NEXT UP: The Yellowjackets face a quick turnaround as they head back to Billings to host the MSUB Fall Invitational on Thursday and Friday at Pryor Creek Golf Club in Huntley, Mont.

Dixie State University Invitational – Final Results Sand Hollow Golf Course – Hurricane, Utah Team – 1. Point Loma Nazarene University, 609 (302-307); T7. MSU Billings, 623 (314-309). Individual – 1. Johany Rivera, St. Edward’s, 144 (72-72); T9. Kortney McNeil, MSUB, 152 (79-73); T9. Anna DeMars, MSUB, 152 (76-76); T29. Bailee Dexter, MSUB, 159 (78-81); T33. Haley Shackelford, MSUB, 160 (81-79); 61. Sammy Walter, MSUB, 170 (86-84).

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