Southeastern women win first Sun championship, on to Nationals
It has been a sure and steady rise for the women’s golf program at Southeastern University over the past 10 years, and now for the first time in school history they can call themselves Sun Conference champions.
Playing in Savannah, Georgia, the Lady Fire came from two strokes behind at the beginning of the final round to best second-ranked Keiser University by two shots for the victory.
Returning All-American Danielle Owens, a sophomore from Orlando, posted a 54-hole total of 227 to tie for the individual lead with SCAD’s Ariana Castro, sending the duo back for more golf to break the tie.
With a par on the first playoff hole, Owens earned her place in the SEU history books by winning the program’s first individual conference title, as well.
Valentina Espinosa, a graduate student from Barranquilla, Colombia, finished in a three-way tie for third at 12-over-par, 228. Transfer junior Hallie Riley also posted a top 10 finish, carding rounds of 77, 80, and 78 (235). Sophomore Kate Kenthack from Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Maria Stevens, a freshman from Volo, Illinois, rounded out the lineup, posting identical 241.
The 2022 Sun Conference title comes on the heels of the women’s program setting a number of records during the 2021 season, including a school-best third place finish at the NAIA National Championship.
“I’m so proud of our team making history and winning our first ever Sun Conference women’s championship,” said Fire head coach Steve Phelps, who was named the Sun Conference Golf Coach of the Year.
The victory earns an automatic bid into the NAIA National Championship to be contested May 24-27 at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
“I’m extremely impressed with our players showing their resilience during the final holes of the championship," Phelps said. "Each player showed amazing fortitude and stepped up with great execution in the clutch moments.
"Their qualify practice efforts led to proper decision making and execution when it mattered the most. For me, it’s a blessing to serve the team and Southeastern University. We’ve had a tremendous season thus far and excited to take this momentum into nationals. ”
SEU men second in Sun
The SEU men’s program earned their own national championship bid with a second-place finish at the Sun Conference championship, finishing 27 shots behind top-ranked Keiser.
After opening the three-round tourney with a 303 to lead through round one, the Fire dropped back after a 319 on day two. Using a team best 300 in the final round, the Fire held onto second place, besting Coastal Georgia by two shots.
Senior Noah Endicott from Saint Cloud, Florida, led the way, finishing third among individuals at the difficult PGA National layout, home of the Honda Classic and it’s famous “Bear Trap.”
Returning All-American Matthew Soucinek finished in a tie for 13th.
The Fire begin their national championship bid May 17 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.
Golf Etc., summer tour
Golf Etc. Lakeland is sponsoring a series of summer junior tour events this year, a new addition to the area’s calendar of events. The Tour offers divisions from ages 8-18, caddies are welcome at all ages, and gift certificates from Golf Etc. are awarded for winners. The schedule:
June 11 — Bartow Golf Course ($35)
June 27 — Cleveland Heights Golf Course ($35)
July 11 — Grasslands ($35)
July 27 — The Links of Sandpiper ($35)
July 30 — Parent/Child- Bartow Golf Course ($100)
For more information, or to register: Call Golf Etc. at (863) 687-7274.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Southeastern women win Sun championship, on to Nationals
