The Western Washington University women’s golf team recorded a 13-stroke team victory at the 2021 WWU Spring Invitational played Monday and Tuesday at Bellingham Golf & Country Club.
The Vikings led the tournament wire-to-wire, finishing with a team score of 75-over-par 651. WWU fired a final-round score of 41-over-par 329 in windy conditions to extend its lead over 2nd-place Northwest Nazarene (+88, 664). Saint Martin’s rounded out the three-team tournament at 105-over-par (681).
“I am pleased with how the team battled tough conditions and a firm and fast golf course,” said WWU Director of Golf Luke Bennett.
Second-year freshman Sophia Schmidt tamed her home course with a two-round total of 12-over-par 156, turning in rounds of 5-over-par 77 on Monday and a 7-over-par 79 in Tuesday’s final round. Schmidt, a product of Bellingham High School, recorded two of the three rounds under 80 in the 36-hole tournament to record a five-stroke win over Saint Martin’s Kathryn Crimp.
“Sophia played very solid both days. She didn’t let the course get to her and stuck to her game plan and stayed patient both days,” added Bennett.
Overall, the Vikings had four players inside the top 10 in the 16-player field, with sophomore Sarah Shea and second-year freshman Elise Sumner tied for 4th place at 20-over-par 164. Freshman Dani Bailey tied for 7th place at 23-over-par 167. Junior Kolby Heggenes rounded out the Viking contingent placing 13th at 35-over-par 179.
The Vikings will now head to the postseason with the 2021 GNAC Golf Championships held April 19-20 at The Home Course in DuPont. More information on the GNAC Tournament can be found at GNACSports.com.
