Northern Arizona Saves Best Round for Last, Ends the Bobcat Desert Classic in Fourth

FINAL RESULTS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (April 11, 2023) – Saving its best round for last, the Northern Arizona University golf team wrapped up play at the Bobcat Desert Classic today at the Golf Club of Estrella (par-72, 6,279-yards). The Lumberjacks shot a 292 (+4) to finish the tournament in fourth place with a total of 896 (+32) strokes.
 
Northern Arizona shot a 297 (+9) in round one and a 307 (+19) in round two. The classic marked the final regular season tournament for NAU, who now goes on to defend its Big Sky Conference title at next week's championships.
 
This tournament served as the best preview possible for the championships, as the 'Jacks competed against seven other league schools and finished third amongst them. NAU finished just five strokes behind Weber State who placed third, and the Idaho Vandals finished second. Grand Canyon won the team title after shooting an 863 (-1).

"The ladies kept fighting throughout the three days with hot conditions. Hopefully, the last round's results puts momentum into conference," said head coach Brad Bedortha. "Our practices and practice rounds have been great. As a whole team, we have to continue to believe and our performances will show that."
 
Ellena Slater, a true freshman, was NAU's top finisher this week with a fifth-place finish. Slater shot a 69 (-3) in round one, a 76 (+4) in round two, and a 75 (+3) in round three to bring her total to 220 (+4). It was the third top-five finish for the freshman in her young career.
 
Right behind Slater was a fellow true freshman, Lizzie Neale, who tied for sixth. Neale saved her best round for last, turning in a 69 (-3) today to tie her career low round for the second time. It was the highest finish for Neale in her career and her eighth round this season at par or better. After shooting a 76 (+4) in both the first and second rounds, Neale finished with a 221 (+5). She had three birdies in the third and final round.

"Ellena Slater and Lizzie Neale had an awesome performance, finishing fifth and sixth with rounds of 69," added Bedortha.
 
Both Aleksandra Chekalina and Ashley Croft tied for 29^th with a 230 (+14). Chekalina shot a 78 (+6) today and Croft turned in her best round of the classic with a 74 (+2). Croft steadily improved all tournament, shooting an 81 (+9) in round one and a 75 (+3) in round two. In yesterday's action, she earned an albatross on a par five.

"Ashley Croft had a challenge in the first round, but she battled it out out and brought her A-game in the final two rounds," Bedortha concluded.
 
Nina Lukyanenko also saved her best round for last after shooting a 74 (+2) today with two birdies. She finished the classic tied for 42^nd with a 236 (+20). Lukyanenko shot an 80 (+8) in round one and an 82 (+10) in round two.
 
Lorel Hayward, who is competing as an individual, also finished tied for 42^nd with a 236 (+20). She ended competition with an 82 (+10) in round three.
 
The Bobcat Desert Classic serves as the final tune-up before the Big Sky Conference Championships that run from April 17-19 in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the Talking Stick Resort (72-par, 6,247 yards) where NAU will look to defend its conference title. The championships are hosted by Montana State and one round of 18 holes will be played each day beginning at 7 a.m.
 
Individual Results
5. Ellena Slater 69+76+75=220 (+4)
T6. Lizzie Neale 76+76+69=221 (+5)
T29. Aleksandra Chekalina 72+76+78=230 (+14)
T29. Ashley Croft 81+75+74=230 (+14)
T42. Nina Lukyanenko 80+82+74=236 (+20)
*T42. Lorel Hayward 76+78+82=236 (+20)