RESULTS
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 28, 2024) – The Northern Arizona University women's golf team saved its best round of the GCU Invitational for last, as all four counting scores in the lineup shot rounds at par today. After shooting a 288 (E) as a team today, the Lumberjacks finished the invite tied for 11th place with a total of 879 (+15) strokes.
NAU has been in action at the GCU Golf Course (par-72, 1,126 yards) in Phoenix, Ariz., over the past two days, shooting a 294 (+6) in round one and a 297 (+9) in round two yesterday. In a field of 21 teams, the Lumberjacks trailed Big Sky Conference foe Montana State, but beat Idaho, Northern Colorado and Eastern Washington.
The Lumberjacks tied for 11
th along with Houston Christian, who they trailed by five strokes heading into today's third round. New Mexico State won the team title with 846 (-18) strokes, claiming individual medalist honors as well.
"The ladies battled until the end. We showed a lot of good things, but did not capitalize on those opportunities through out the tournament. It was disappointing to see the results after the finish we had last year, but I am proud of the girls for playing hard and never giving up," said graduate assistant coach
Kiley Rodrigues. "In the coming weeks, we will be preparing for our home event at Oak Creek."
Lizzie Neale led the Lumberjacks with a 22
nd-place finish, shooting a 72 (E) in all three rounds to end competition with 216 (E) strokes. Neale has now shot par or better in 10 rounds this season and 14 in her career.
True freshman
Amy Hodgkins was right behind Neale, tying for 27
th place after shooting a 217 (+1). After recording a 71 (-1) and a 74 (+2) in the first two rounds yesterday, Hodgkins' 72 (E) today marked her eighth career round at par or better.
Competing as an individual,
Ekaterina Malakhova ended the tournament tied for 37
th after shooting a 74 (+2) today. The senior's 54-hole total of 219 (+3) is her lowest of the season after shooting a 76 (+4) and a 69 (-3) in yesterday's action.
Ellena Slater showed improvement each round, starting action with a 76 (+4) and a 74 (+2) yesterday before ending with a 72 (E) today. The sophomore finished tied for 54
th with a total of 222 (+8) strokes.
After shooting a 71 (-1) in the opening round and a 79 (+7) in round two,
Frankie Dezis bounced back with a 73 (+1) today. The freshman is competing as an individual and finished tied for 59
th with 223 (+7) strokes.
Lorel Hayward finished tied for 77
th with 236 (+10) strokes after shooting a 74 (+2) today. After shooting an 80 (+8) in both rounds yesterdays,
Nina Lukyanenko recorded her third career round at par or better with a 72 (E) in the third round. The sophomore finished tied for 96
th with 232 (+16) strokes.
Northern Arizona now turns its focus to hosting the annual Red Rocks Invitational at Oak Creek Country Club in Sedona, Ariz., from March 16-17.
Individual Results
T22.
Lizzie Neale 72-72-72= 216 (E)
T27.
Amy Hodgkins 71-74-72= 217 (+1)
*T37.
Ekaterina Malakhova 76-69-74= 219 (+3)
T54.
Ellena Slater 76-74-72= 222 (+6)
*T59.
Frankie Dezis 71-79-73= 223 (+7)
T77.
Lorel Hayward 75-77-74= 226 (+10)
T96.
Nina Lukyanenko 80-80-72= 232 (+16)
*Competing as an Individual
