Lumberjacks Take Second at Weather-Shortened Red Rocks Invitational, Slater Wins Individual Title

SEDONA, Ariz. (March 16, 2025) – The Northern Arizona women's golf team wrapped up the Red Rocks Invitational today, completing the 18 holes that were suspended on Friday and finishing second as a team with a score of 289 (+1). Grand Canyon were the team champions with a total 288 (E).

Friday's round began with a solid start, but after nine holes, play was halted as a snowstorm swept across Oak Creek Country Club. Visibility became so poor that the round had to be suspended.

After assessing course conditions on Saturday, it was clear the course was flooded from the melted snow, making it unplayable and causing further delays.

The tournament was ultimately shortened to 18 holes, and play resumed today from where it had left off on Friday.

"We managed to complete 18 holes over three days, which I never expected. The weather turned out beautiful today, and we played well," head coach Brad Bedortha said. "I feel bad for the teams that traveled from all over just to get 18 holes in, but there was nothing we could do. As hosts, it was stressful figuring out logistics, but overall, it went as well as possible. We started in the snow and cold on Friday but finished strong, just one shot from winning. Ellena played great, securing her second college win at our home tournament. Finishing second among top-ranked teams was impressive. I wish we had played 54 holes to see how we stacked up, but I love our team - they're talented and great people."

Ellena Slater had a bogey-free tournament, recording 15 pars and three birdies on holes six, 11, and 18. With a 69 (-3), she won the individual title by one stroke. It marked her second collegiate victory both at NAU's home tournament. She also tied for first in par-five scoring average at 4.50 (-2), and her 15 pars were the second most in the tournament.

Lizzie Neale also finished under par with a 71 (-1), picking up three birdies on holes four, seven, and 18. She tied for sixth individually and shared first place in par-three scoring average at 2.50 (-2).

Amy Hodgkins tied for 31st with a final score of 74 (+2), recording back-to-back birdies on holes five and six and another on hole 14.

Sumin Kang finished tied for 42nd with a score of 75 (+3), carding three birdies on holes four, 15, and 18. She ranked fifth in par-three scoring average at 2.75 (-1) and sixth in par-five scoring at 4.75 (-1).

Rounding out the lineup, Nina Lukyanenko shot 78 (+6). She made an eagle on the par-five 18th, reaching the green in two and sinking the putt—making her the only player in the field to record an eagle. She tied for 71st place.

Frankie Dezis, competing as an individual, also tied for 71st with a 78 (+6), picking up a birdie on hole 12.

Ava Bates, another individual competitor, shot 83 (+11) to finish tied for 101st.

As a team, the Lumberjacks led the field in par-three scoring with a combined 2.90 (-2) and in par-five scoring at 4.85 (-3). Their total of 12 birdies tied for fourth, while their 60 pars ranked third.

Northern Arizona returns to action March 28-30 at the PING ASU Invitational in Tempe, Ariz.

NAU Individual Results
1    Ellena Slater 69 (-3)
T6    Lizzie Neale 71 (-1)
T31    Amy Hodgkins 74 (+2)
T42    Sumin Kang 75 (+3)
T71    Nina Lukyanenko 78 (+6)
T71    Frankie Dezis 78 (+6)*
T101    Ava Bates 83 (+11)*
*competing as individuals

Results
1    Grand Canyon E
2    Northern Arizona +1
T3    South Dakota State +3
T3    North Dakota State +3
5    Illinois State +4
T6    Seattle +5
T6    California Baptist +5
8    Morehead State +6
T9    Weber State +10
T9    Xavier +10
11    Delaware +11
12    Oral Roberts +12
13    Wichita State +14
14    Navy +17
15    Columbia +18
16    Southern Utah +21
17    Northern Colorado +23
18    Montana +37
19    Towson +38