Women’s Golf Moves Up Leaderboard During Final Day of Cowgirl Classic

Bud Denega, Communications Coordinator for Soccer, Wrestling and Swim&Dive, University of Wyoming

MARICOPA, Arizona (4/4/24) – The University of Wyoming women’s golf team concluded play at its Cowgirl Classic at AK-Chin Southern Dunes on Thursday. The Cowgirls moved up into 13th place as a team with a score of 600 (+34).

“The team as a whole did much better today,” head coach Josey Stender said. “We played a lot more relaxed but decisive. I would love to thank AK-Chin Southern Dunes and Brady Wilson the GM and all their staff. They do everything first class here and it makes it feel like a home away from home.”

Sacramento State won the team title, recording a score of 860 (-4). Long Beach State took runner-up at 863 (-1), while Boise State, New Mexico State and San Diego State rounded out the top three each with an 877 (+13). New Mexico State’s Emma Bunch took home the individual crown at 207 (-9).

Morgan Ryan enjoyed one of the strongest finals rounds of anyone in the field Thursday. She fired a 68 (-4) – matching the school record’s lowest single round score – to finish tied 40th with a three-round score of 224 (+8).

“It was a great comeback by her,” Stender said. “I’m very proud of her. Her confidence and composure really helped her. She knew the team needed it, and I just appreciate that leadership from her.”

Jaden Gonzalez led the way for Wyoming over the span of the three-round, two-day tournament. She boasted a total tally of 218 (+2) following a 75 (+3) final round to place in a tie for 16th.

Kyla Wilde saved her best round for last. She carded a 73 (+1) Thursday to finish with a final score of 229 (+13), which positioned her in a tie for 63rd.

Tomine Bjerkelo was fourth, and tied 90th overall, on the team after a three-round score of 235 (+19). She shot an 80 (+8) Thursday.

Samantha Spielman rounded out the Cowgirls’ starting five. She was tied for 106th after a third-round tally of 82 (+10) for a final score of 242 (+26).

Grace Dunkleberger and Sophie Spiva competed as individuals this week. Dunkleberger registered a final round 79 (+7) to finish at 232 (+16) and in a tie for 77th place, while Spiva took a tie for 93rd with a final round 80 (+8) for a total of 236 (+20).

Wyoming remains in Arizona for its final tune-up prior to the Mountain West Conference Championships later this month. The Cowgirls participate in the Bobcat Classic from April 8-10 in Goodyear at The Golf Club of Estrella.