FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 25, 2019) – The Big Sky Conference's women's golf preseason poll has been released by the conference office, with Northern Arizona University projected to place fourth overall this spring. The Sacramento State Hornets were voted to win the 2019 Big Sky Women's Golf Championship. The preseason poll was voted on by league head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own team.
The Hornets earned eight first-place votes en route to 98 points and a preseason favorite nametag. Sacramento State returns a highly talented group in which they placed all five of its competitors in the top 20 a year ago. Leading the way is senior Julia Becker, who placed third overall, followed by junior Nishtha Madan, who came in ninth. Corinne Viden, the reigning freshman of the year is back to round out the Hornets.
Idaho received three first-place votes as they were picked to finish second with 92 points. The Vandals are led by the reigning Big Sky Player of the Year, senior Sophie Hausmann. She is joined by senior Michelle Kim, who finished second overall at the championship. Valeria Patino and Laura Gerner also return for the Vandals to give the reigning champs four out of five returners.
Separated by three points, Portland State (75) and Northern Arizona (72) filled out the third and fourth spots. The Vikings return Windy Huang, Jasmine Cabajar and Valerie Hernandez – all of which placed in the top 20.
Loren Skibba and
Lexi Keene return for the Lumberjacks who placed fourth last year.
"The preseason poll is an indication of how the teams played throughout the fall season," said head women's golf coach
Brad Bedortha. "This is pretty much what I expected, either 3rd or 4th. Our athletes have been doing really well this spring so far, instilling some new practice plans which have been well received. We are all excited for the spring season to begin and start competing."
Southern Utah was voted fifth with 60 points, while Eastern Washington had 56 points for sixth, followed closely by Northern Colorado with 53 points for seventh.
Junior Poy Prasurtwong tied for 10th overall and junior Kyla Smith tied for 15th last year to lead the Thunderbirds. Sophomore Alexa Clark and junior Madalyn Ardueser both return for the Eagles after finishing tied for seventh and 12th, respectively. UNC returns all five of its competitors from 2018, including Nicole Polivchak who tied for 12th individually.
Four players that competed at the championship a year ago return for Montana State in 2019. The Bobcats received 35 votes for eighth place, as their top finisher Clare Dittmore returns.
Montana was selected ninth with 31 points. Senior Baylee Barckley and junior Teigan Avery return for the Griz, after they both tied for 20th last season at the championship.
Weber State was voted to place 10th by the head coaches. The Wildcats have a new look this season with only one player on its roster in Kirsten Convoy that competed at the championship in 2018.
Idaho State was picked to finish 11th with 10 points. The Bengals return three players that competed at last year's championship.
The Big Sky Championship will take place at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev. from April 19-21. Seven of the top 10 finishers from a year ago return in 2019.
2019 Big Sky Women's Golf Preseason Poll
1. Sacramento State (8) – 98
2. Idaho (3) – 92
3. Portland State – 75
4. Northern Arizona – 72
5. Southern Utah – 60
6. Eastern Washington – 56
7. Northern Colorado – 53
8. Montana State – 35
9. Montana – 31
10. Weber State – 23
11. Idaho State - 10
