By: UNK Athletic Communications
Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney golf team shot a 54-hole total of 870 to easily win the Central Regional Preview Wednesday at Meadowlark Hills G.C.
The 21-team event began on Sunday and allowed squads the chance to play the course (par 71; 5,908 yards) that'll host NCAA Central Regionals in May 2027. Ten MIAA teams, five from the Great American Conf. (GAC) and five from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conf. (NSIC) and a Loper "B" team took part.
Playing on their home course, the Lopers led from start to finish by having rounds of 286, 292 and 292. The 870 easily breaks the school mark of 886, set at the 2023 NCAA Central Regional in Larchwood, Ia.
MIAA rivals Central Oklahoma and Washburn both shot an 886 to tie for second with Rogers State fourth (895). The average score in the tourney was 77.3 on Monday, up to 79.2 on a windier Tuesday and back down to 77.3 today in overcast and rainy conditions in the morning.
Individually, Kansas seniors Claire Berquist (69-71-72) and Liz Lyons (70-70-72) both shot a 1-under 212 to be co-medalists. Arkansas Tech's Jaylee Castro was a stroke back. Berquist had seven straight pars on the back nine today with Lyons carding a three on the par 4 18th hole to tie Berquist.
UNK's final three scores were Minnesota junior Calie Dockter (T-24th/224; 74-76-74), Mexican freshman Paulina Flores (T-36th/228; 73-81-74) and Swedish sophomore Pella Broms (T-60th/235; 77-75-83). Dockter had four birdies today, Flores three and Broms one. Finally, Texas senior Sofia Wildeman (T-76th/240; 80-82-78) paced the "B" team (1,016; 342-345-329).
The Lopers final fall event is in the Indian Creek Shootout Oct. 19-20 in Omaha.