Golf Sets Two More Program Records, Finishes Second at GCU Invitational

Final Team Results
Final Individual Results

PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 28, 2023) – The Northern Arizona University women's golf team had a successful outing at the GCU Invitational over three rounds at the GCU Golf Course (72 par, 6,171-yards) in Phoenix, Ariz. The Lumberjacks brought home a second-place finish after shooting an 858 (-6) for a new program record through 54 holes. Also highlighting the action was freshman Ellena Slater who shot a 67 (-5), tying a program record.
 
Northern Arizona ended the day yesterday in second place after shooting a program low through 36 holes of 571 (-5). The first two rounds saw the 'Jacks shoot 288 (E) and 283 (-5) and finish the tournament with a 287 (-1) today. Yesterday's total of 283 was tied for third all-time.
 
In the 17 team field against four other conference opponents, NAU was the top Big Sky Conference team and finished 13 strokes behind the champions, Louisiana Monroe. The 'Jacks just edged the hosts Grand Canyon, who finished third with 560 (-4) strokes.
 
"It was an exciting week! The ladies played extremely well," said head coach Brad Bedortha. "Coming into the event, we had some great practices. It was exciting to see them step up and play at this level. Finishing second is awesome. We look forward to competing in our home event in a few weeks."
 
Slater led the Lumberjacks, tying for fifth with a career low 211 (-5) through three rounds, which is tied for third all-time in program history. After shooting a 73 and a 71 yesterday for a career 36-hole low of 144 and finishing the day tied for 14th, she shot a 67 today, tying a program record. Slater birdied seven holes today and is just the fifth Lumberjack all-time to shoot a 67 (-5) in a single round and the first since 2018-19.
 
Right behind Slater was fellow freshman Lizzie Neale who finished tied for eighth with a 213 (-3) after shooting a 73 (+1) today. Neale shot consecutive 70's (-2) yesterday for a new career-low of 140 through 36 holes which is tied for fifth in NAU history.
 
Both Aleksandra Chekalina and Ashley Croft finished tied for 15^th after shooting a 217 (+1). Croft shot a 72 today to earn her season low total through 54 holes, and Chekalina shot a 75. Yesterday, Chekalina shot a career-low 68 in the second round which is tied for second in program history.
 
Lorel Hayward rounded things out by finishing tied for 66^th after shooting a 230 (+14) through three rounds and a 76 (+4) today.
 
The Lumberjacks now have two weeks off to prepare for their next competition. After scrimmaging Harvard on Wednesday, March 15, NAU hosts the Red Rocks Invitational from March 18-19. Both competitions take place at the Oakcreek Country Club in Sedona, Ariz.
 
NAU Individual Results
T5. Ellena Slater – 73-71-67 = 211 (-5)
T8. Lizzie Neale – 70-70-73 = 213 (-3)
T15. Ashley Croft – 71-74-72 = 217 (+1)
T15. Aleksandra Chekalina  – 74-68-75 = 217 (+1)
T66. Lorel Hayward – 80-74-76 = 230 (+14)