Kirkpatrick Wins Oklahoma Intercollegiate
DUNCAN, Okla. --- Northeastern State's Kelsey Kirkpatrick took home medalist honors at the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Golf Classic at The Territory Golf Club here Tuesday.
The RiverHawks' sophomore posted scores of 74-70=144 to win the event by one stroke over teammate Whitney McAteer, who carded a 145 with rounds of 73-72.
As a team, Northeastern State finished second behind champion Tarleton State. The TexAnns shot a prolific even-par 288 on the final day, led by Sharon Lau's five-under-par 67, to win the tournament by 16 strokes.
"I am really proud of our team, especially Kelsey and Whitney," said head coach Scott Varner from the road where he was coaching the men's team. "They are as good a tandem as there is in the country. They are both very special players.
"This was a huge regional event and a huge win for Kelsey. Including our team, there were seven teams that have been ranked this fall in the Top 25. Kelsey and Whitney battled it out and Kelsey now has her first collegiate win. Whitney has four wins in her short career at Northeastern State."
Behind Tarleton (592) and the RiverHawks (608) were Central Oklahoma (620), Nebraska-Omaha (622) and Redlands Community College (625) which rounded out the top five. The rest of the field consisted of Midwestern State, Incarnate Word, West Texas A&M, Angelo State, Texas A&M-Commerce, Dallas Baptist, Newman, East Central, Cameorn and Southwestern Oklahoma State. Western Texas Community College did not post a final round score after a player withdrew.
"This helped our position in the NCAA Division II rankings a great deal," said Varner. "It's a great way to go into the winter months as we prepare for the spring championship season."
