MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — Despite missing two All-American golfers, the George Fox University women’s golf team delivered a conference championship-level performance April 19 and 20 to capture the Northwest Conference Championship at Michelbook Country Club in McMinnville.
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The No. 3-ranked Bruins were without All-Americans Liana Brown and Makensie Toole, but still outpaced the field with a two-day team score of 603 (+27), winning the tournament by a 25-stroke margin over second-place Whitman College.
All-American Alison Takamiya led the way with a standout performance, finishing first overall with a two-day total of 139 (-5). Her opening round 67 included no bogeys and an eagle on the par-five ninth hole—one of the best rounds of her collegiate career. She followed up with an even-par second round, carding three more birdies and cementing her individual title.
“Today was an outstanding overall performance by everyone,” said head coach MaryJo McCloskey. “I’m super pleased with how we were able to step up with Makensie and Liana not able to play. I’m just very happy with the team effort this season and the depth of our team.”
Katelyn Lam also put together a strong weekend, bouncing back from a rough opening hole to post a first-round 75 (+3), then following it with a steady 77 on day two. She notched two birdies and ten pars in the final round to finish third overall with a score of 152 (+8).
Ainsley Carter and Reyna Naranjo each finished tied for fifth with a total score of 156 (+12). Carter played an even-par front nine in her opening round and capped off her tournament with nine pars and a birdie on day two. Naranjo had a gritty first round, finishing strong with a back-nine 33, including back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18. She added another birdie and eleven pars in the final round.
Rounding out the Bruins’ lineup was Samara D’Silva, who placed 15th with a score of 161 (+17). Her steady play provided important depth, and her birdie on the par-five 11th stood out on the final day.
This is the team’s 15th consecutive NWC championship. The George Fox women’s golf team, presumably in full strength, will be traveling to Williamsburg, Virigina to compete in the NCAA National Championship that begins on May 13, 2025.
Kendall Mickelson and Aidan Hawthorne from George Fox University Athletics contributed to reporting this article.
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