FRESNO, Calif. (March 26, 2024) – The Northern Arizona University golf team concluded action at the Fresno State Classic today, finishing 16
th overall. The Lumberjacks started off strong, shooting a 295 (+7) in round one but shot a 301 (+13) in round two and a 312 (+24) to finish with 908 strokes (+44) through 54 holes.
NAU was in action at the Copper River Country Club (par-72, 6,726 yards) in Fresno, Calif. Colorado State won the team championship after shooting an 867 (+3) and claimed the individual championship as well. The Lumberjacks competed against one other Big Sky Conference school in Sacramento State who finished fourth with a score of 881 (+17).
"Our first two rounds yesterday were good, competitive and we did a lot of good things as a team. Unfortunately, today was a struggle from the start. We tried to bounce back at times but struggled to do so," said head coach
Brad Bedortha. "These days happen, and we are glad it is done before our conference tournament. This is a learning experience for the girls.
Lizzie Neale had another good finish, tying for 11
th, and
Amy Hodgkins is starting to perform at a higher level and her game is improving."
After shooting a 73 (+1) in the first round, Neale shot a 70 (-2) in round two for her 12
th round at par or better this season. After shooting a 76 (+4) in round three, Neale tied for 11
th place with a total of 219 (+3) strokes.
Following Neale was Hodgkins, a true freshman who finished tied for 34
th after shooting a 223 (+7). Hodgkins played consistent and shot a 74 (+2) in round one, a 75 (+3) in round two and 74 (+2) in the third and final round.
Ekaterina Malakhova started things off with a 72 (E) in round one but finished with a 78 (+6) in round two and shot an 84 (+12) in the third round. The senior tied for 87
th place with 234 (+18) strokes.
Lorel Hayward tied for 97
th with a total of 237 (+21) strokes and
Ellena Slater withdrew from the competition after two rounds.
The Lumberjacks look to bounce back at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic on April 3-4 in Maricopa, Ariz. The tournament serves as the final event of the regular season before the conference championships on April 15-17.
Individual Results
T11.
Lizzie Neale 73-70-76 = 219 (+3)
T34.
Amy Hodgkins 74-75-74 = 223 (+7)
T87.
Ekaterina Malakhova 72-78-84 = 234 (+18)
T97.
Lorel Hayward 79-80-78 = 237 (+21)
N/A.
Ellena Slater 76-78-W
