OIlers Advance to Match Play at National Championship
The University of Findlay women's golf team shot a 316 on the third day of the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championship at the PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. to place eighth after 54-holes of competition. They will now advance to match play to determine the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championship.
The Oilers, who ended the stroke competition round with a 54-hole score of 944 (318, 310, 316), will face Florida Tech tomorrow in match play for a chance to go to the semifinals of the tournament. Florida Tech finished their 54-holes in first place with a score of 923 (315, 303, 305).
The Oilers entered the final hole of competition leading ninth place Lynn by two strokes in the team standings on Thursday. Senior Makenzie Torres then bogeyed the 18th to secure a spot in the tournament by one stroke. Torres finished with a 3-over par score of 76 during the round and placed tenth overall with a three-day score of 227 (77, 74, 76).
Sophomore Kristina Kniesly had a great round on Thursday to help propel the Oilers to match play. Kniesly finished her round with a 1-over par score of 74 and tied for 22nd overall with a 234 (79, 81, 74). She started off her day on fire and was 2-under par at the turn.
Senior Samantha Hatter ended her 54-holes in a tie for 45th with a score of 241 (81, 78, 82) while junior Meredith Wipper tied for 62nd with a 247 (85, 78, 84). Freshman Jill Schmitmeyer tied for 79th as well, finishing with a 254 (81, 80, 93).
The Oilers finished team competition with 30 birdies, the second-best total among the field. Hatter led the way with eight birdies, the fifth-best total among all the competitors.