May 23, 2008

SAN MARCOS, Calif. - It took all 72 holes, but Oklahoma City wrapped up its fourth straight NAIA Women's Golf Championship, winning the 14^th Annual edition by three strokes over Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 1,267 (318-315-309-325)-1,270 (320-313-308-329). Although they were never worse than third at any point, the Stars never led until today's final tally.

 

The three-stroke win is the closest margin of victory ever, bettering the previous standard of five strokes set in 2004 when British Columbia defeated OCU, 1,254-1,259. This year's tournament also featured a different leader after every round. Cal State San Marcos led after round one. British Columbia after round two, and Embry-Riddle held the lead heading into today.

 

Shanna Page of Bethel (Ind.) won the individual title with a 308 (75-78-78-77), winning by four strokes over Kyla Inaba of British Columbia, who finished with a 312 (80-78-76-78). Embry-Riddle's Tara Allen (76-74-77-82) and OCU's Ashley Sholer (80-75-77-82) were tied for third with a 314.

 

Embry-Riddle led by just one stroke heading into today's final round as the top four teams were separated by just 11 strokes. However, only the Stars and Eagles were able to keep pace while battling a steady rain and gusty winds. Tournament-host Cal State San Marcos finished third with a 1,284 (311-326-314-333), its best tournament finish ever. British Columbia was fourth with a 1,288 (318-312-322-336).

 

All-Tournament selection Laura Jones led the Stars with a 79 today. Only nine of the 120 players were able to post scores under 80 today while playing in harsh conditions. Tamara Campbell tallied an 80, while Sholer, who won the 2006 individual title, finished with an 82 today. Christina Cung chipped in with an 84.

 

All-Tournament Team (alphabetical)

Lindsey Aho, Concordia (Ore.)

Tara Allen, Embry-Riddle (Fla.)

Anne Balser, Victoria (B.C.)

Angela Gauck, Marian (Ind.)#

Autumn Gee, Embry-Riddle (Fla.)

Amy Goble, Berry (Ga.)

Carolina Holmblad, California Baptist

Kyla Inaba, British Columbia

Laura Jones, Oklahoma City

Carly Ludwig, Cal State San Marcos

Shanna Page, Bethel (Ind.)
Carrie Rowe, Webber International (Fla.)

Ashley Sholer, Oklahoma City

Malin Thorberg, California Baptist

Daniela Vargas, Shorter

#played as an individual