OGDEN, Utah - Northern Arizona women's golf's Head Coach Brad Bedortha was named the Big Sky Women's Golf Coach of the Year this morning by the conference offices. Bedortha led the Lumberjacks to their eighth title in school history and the third during his tenure. 

The 'Jacks struggled to open the 2014-15 season, finishing 10th at their first tournament of the year and ninth at the second. However, they made a strong showing at Cal Poly - finishing second overall - to wrap up the fall and lead them into the spring. They kicked-off the spring with top-three finishes at Grand Canyon, Red Rocks and Rio Verde and both Kim Cifuentes and Kaitlyn Saum earned Big Sky Golfer of the Week honors. 

At the championships, the 'Jacks ended the second day of competition in fourth-place, back six strokes from the lead. They posted a tournament-low third-round of 297 (+9) to overtake Southern Utah, Sacramento State and Idaho on the final day. 

Bedortha credits the new team culture ushered in earlier this year with giving the 'Jacks the edge to stage their comeback. 

"Our new team culture has affected everything," said Bedortha following the Big Sky tournament. "We need to have a great attitude, and we need to work really hard. We need to treat people well and have unconditional gratitude. These aren't only things that you need to have on a women's college golf team; they are things you need to do your entire life. They've all bought in."

The 'Jacks continue their season with the NCAA West Regional on May 7-9 in St. George, Utah.