Tournament individual low medalist Julia McQuilken (74-70-71-77 = 292) led Dalton State to a three-way tie for second in the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship, which concluded Friday at the 72-hole NAIA National Championship on the Par-72, 6,004-yard Savannah Quarters Country Club course.
“It’s a great feeling to finally have my first college win,” said the junior from Tampa.
“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team and my coaches. Coming in first as an individual is awesome, but finishing in second as a first year program as a team is even more special.”
“It is an amazing feat for Julia to win a national championship,” echoed Dalton State Coach Jim McGrew. “To play so well over four days on a tough golf course and not just win, but win by five strokes is amazing.”
McQuilken shot her highest round of the tournament, but still finished five strokes ahead of Elsa Westin (76-75-74-72 = 297) with team champion Northwood.
The Roadrunners finished the season tied for second with SCAD – Savannah and William Woods University (Mo.) Northwood University (Fla.) (308-301-306-296 = 1211) will carry the National Championship banner back to south Florida.
Dalton State (309-303-304-317 = 1233), William Woods (305-307-316-305 = 1233) and SCAD – Savannah (308-308-311-306 = 1233) all leaped ahead of the University of the Cumberlands (312-298-305-319 = 1234) into the second place tie.
“I am so proud of the girls and what they have accomplished this season,” said Coach McGrew. “It is just amazing that in our first year of competition the girls were able to win a Southern States Athletic Conference Championship and finish second in the national tournament. Four rounds is a grueling test and they handled it like champions.”
McGrew wanted to thank everyone who has helped including the practice courses at The Farm and Dalton Golf and Country Club.
Alazne Urizar (78-71-75-74 = 298) and Sofia Molinaro (74-77-71-76 = 298) of SCAD – Savannah tied for third. Katie Warren (77-73-75-75 = 700) was fifth and Dalton State’s Caroline Griffin (73-79-75-80 = 301) finished sixth individually.
Erika Wardzinksi (84-79-75-80 = 318) was tied for 49th in the 144-player field. Rachel Rebne (78-80-86-81 = 325) ended in 62nd place and Taylor Marie Griner (87-82-83-89 = 341) tied for 86th place.
Dalton State's Julia McQuilken chips her ball over a bunker and onto the ninth green during Friday's final round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament