FINAL RESULTS
GOLF STAT FINAL RESULTS
CHANDLER, Ariz. - Portland State's golf team encountered its share of turbulence this season. The Vikings endured and are once again Big Sky Conference champions.
Kathleen Takaishi's Vikings carded a final-round 309 on Wednesday to capture the 2010 Big Sky Conference Championship presented by Black Clover by two shots over Sacramento State.
The Vikings finished with a 54-hole total of 900 at the Ocotillo Golf Resort, the fourth-lowest total in league history.
"We've had probably three or four lineups throughout the year, so it's nice to know that everyone on the team contributed to the win,'' said Takaishi. "We had players fill in when we had injuries and other issues, and they are just as part of this as these five girls.''
Northern Arizona freshman Stephanie Kim finished off a wire-to-wire victory, claiming medalist honors with an even-par 216. Kim, who entered the final round five-under par, finished with a 77, beating teammate Megan Buck by four shots.
Kim, the Big Sky Freshman and Player of the Year, became the third rookie to win medalist honors. Northern Colorado's Ali Nelson won it last year, and Northern Arizona's Sophia Choi was the 2005 medalist.
"It feels really good,'' said Kim, of Phoenix. "I'm honored. "I was able to grind out the win under windy conditions.''
Kim and Buck's one-two finish wasn't enough to lift NAU to the repeat. The Vikings entered the final round tied with Northern Arizona. The Lumberjacks recorded a final-round 313 and dropped to third place. Sacramento State finished second with a 902. Senior Brooke Green led the Hornets, tying for third with a 222.
Portland State freshman Britney Yada shot a final-round 75 to finish tied for third with a 222. Senior Stephanie Johns and sophomore Tiffany Schoning tied for sixth with a 226. Just a few weeks ago, injuries and academic issues left the Vikings with just four available players.
Johns returned late in the season from a back injury as the Vikings started to put the pieces back together. With Johns in the lineup, PSU finished fifth at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic at Ocotillo with a 902. Johns came through with the rest of her teammates once again. All five Vikings finished in the top 20. Alexia Brown and Kalyn Dodge tied for 17th at 213.
"It's awesome,'' said Johns, who shot rounds of 75, 73 and 76. "I don't really know how else
to describe it. After being out the whole year, it's really cool to be here and for us to perform and win."
Portland state has won five Big Sky Championships. Takaishi led the Vikings to the 2008 championship, just a few months after taking over as head coach.
"Three of the five players on this team are my recruits,'' she said. "So I definately feel like I'm more apart of it. Both are equally rewarding.''
Portland State gains an automatic bid to the NCAA West Regional May 6-8 at the Stanford Golf Course.
The top five individuals were named to the All-Tournament Team.