Coach Marsha Whitener, players Erika Wardzinski, Julia McQuilken, Rachel Rebne, and Caroline Griffin, and Coach Jim McGrew
No. 3 ranked Dalton State (312-209 = 621) finished 10th in the rain-shortened NAIA Women’s Golf Championship at the par 72, 6010 yards Savannah Quarter Golf and Country Club. The scheduled 72-hole tournament finished with only 36 holes completed.
Sophomore Caroline Griffin (78-74 = 152) and redshirt freshman Katie Dalton (79-75 = 154) led the Dalton State efforts. Seniors Julia McQuilken (78-79 = 157) and Erika Wardzinski (77-82 = 159) finished their college golf careers. Junior Rachel Rebne (87-81 = 168) had a counting score in the second round of the tournament.
“It was not the tournament or the results that we had hoped for or expected,” said DS Coach Jim McGrew. “We are obviously disappointed that we did not get to play all 72 holes that were scheduled, but unfortunately that is the way that it worked out. Even though this ends the season on a disappointing note, nothing can take away from the spectacular season the girls have had including going 2-2 against national champions Keiser.
“Our goal was to win the national championship as it will be every year,” added McGrew. “We did not get it done and it will sting for a while. I cannot express what Erika and Julia have meant to our program and how we will miss them going forward. They have put Dalton State on the golf map and have set the bar high for all who follow.”
Wrapping up the season, McGrew expressed appreciation to all who have supported Dalton State golf. “The Farm and Dalton Golf and Country Club allows us to use their wonderful facilities and (outgoing athletic director) Derek Waugh has allowed us to do things right.”
Led by Elsa Westin’s (71-71 = 142) two sub-par rounds, Keiser University of Florida (306-293 = 599) repeated as the NAIA Women’s Golf Champions. SCAD Savannah (312-298 = 610) and William Woods (No.) (311-299 = 610) finished tied for second.
Individual Medalist Kaitlyn Riley (72-68 = 140) led the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) (306-309 = 615) into a tie for fourth with SCAD-Atlanta (79-72 = 151) and Texas Wesleyan (414-301 = 615). Oklahoma City (317-299 = 616) finished seventh while South Carolina Beaufort (309-311 = 620) and Bellevue University (320-300 = 620) edged out Dalton State by one stroke to tie for 8th.
William Carey (312-314 = 626) and Coastal Georgia (308-323 = 631) also represented the Southern States Athletic Conference in the tournament. The Crusaders tied for 13th with Milligan College and the Mariners tied for 15th with British Columbia.