DESTIN, Fla. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Golf led from start to finish to capture a historic win in the Emerald Coast Classic Monday at Baytowne Golf Club.
The win marks the third in the NCAA II era for the Lady Lions, but this win came against much tougher competition. UAFS bested four teams in the WGCA Coaches top-25, including second ranked University of Indianapolis, along with two others who were receiving votes.
"This win was big, not only for the golf program, but for UAFS," Head Coach Daniel Hayden said. "These ladies are excited and motivated now more than ever."
Additionally, the Lady Lions set numerous program bests on their way to the win. Their 54-hole score of 896 (+44) shattered the previous record of 911 in 2019. The 36-hole record of 610 was smashed, as well, with UAFS shooting a 589 (+21) through two rounds. The 293 (+9) in round one is a new program record too.
"Our program has been so close to winning the last four events," said senior Sydnie Gamble, "this is a win we have worked hard for and knew we could do it. To win with this field, it will not only help with our confidence but will help grow the UAFS Women's Golf name, as well."
UAFS topped Central Missouri by nine strokes to win the tournament.
Individual records were broken, as well, as freshman Sidney Stramel carded a 69 (-2) in round two, the first round to break 70 and only the second round under par in program history. Stramel finished with a 222 (+9) to earn her first career top five.
Senior Addison Mitchell was tied for the lead heading into the final round, but a triple bogey dropped her off the pace. She was able to rebound with four consecutive pars to lead the Lady Lions with a fourth-place finish by shooting a 221 (+8). Mitchell was outstanding over the first two rounds, breaking the 36-hole record by one stroke with a 143 (+1).
"I'm really proud of each one of these girls. They never gave up and stayed mentally strong throughout the entire 54 holes," Mitchell said. "You have to have the right mindset and stay positive from start to finish and I think we did a really good job of that this week. So excited to see what the future holds for this team and the program because this is only the beginning."
Both Stramel and Mitchell bested the previous 54-hole mark of 226.
Freshman Rachel Hicks gave UAFS three golfers in the top-15 of an 83-player field by tying for 14th. Hicks carded rounds of 73-78-76 for a 227 (+14).
Senior Alejandra Rodriguez tied for 30th with a 233 (+20) while Gamble tied for 34th with a 234 (+21). Gamble was tied for the lead after a round one 72, but carded an 85 in round two. Gamble was able to bounce back with a 77 in round three.
"I have to echo what the ladies said. We knew a win was coming; we have been so close in all events this year," said Hayden. "Each loss we learned from and kept working hard to improve on our weaknesses."
"We came into this event with confidence, knowing we can compete with anyone. Getting off to the start we did helped calm everyone down. Never letting bad shots get in the way of our goals was huge for these ladies. They never gave up; they stayed positive and lifted each other up throughout the round. But, we still have work to do; we still have goals to achieve. We are excited and are enjoying this moment."
UAFS led the tournament in scoring average on par-4s and par-5s, averaging 4.33 and 5.08 strokes, respectively. Mitchell and Stramel were both under par on par-5s at -4 and -2, respectively.
The Lady Lions totaled the second most pars with 163 and were tied with Central Missouri for the most birdies with 27. Stramel tied for the most birdies with eight.
