Story by: UNK Athletic Communications
Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney women's golf team began its 2026-27 season in style by setting four new school records and winning the annual Central Region Preview by 21 strokes Wednesday in Blue Springs, Mo.
A 16-team field played 36 holes at the par 71 Adams Pointe G.C. (5,920 yards). Action began Tuesday morning with a weather delay coming Wednesday afternoon.
UNK shot a school-record 1-under par 575 (290-285) which allowed them to easily come in front of Arkansas-Ft. Smith (596) and Arkansas-Monticello (610). The previous school mark for 36-holes came at this same tournament in 2022 (582).
Next, the 285 bests the 286 the Lopers turned in at the 2025 NCAA Regional (2nd Round) in Edmond, Okla. Finally, senior Liz Lyons (Olathe, Kan.) was medalist with a sizzling 7-under 137 (71-66). That best the 36-hole record by five shots (Faviola Gonzalez, Fall 2022; Calie Docker, Fall 2024) with the 66 one stroke better than Gonzalez's 67 at Awarii Dunes in the fall of 2019.
To achieve all the above, the Lopers had one Eagle, 28 birdies and 112 pars. Senior Claire Berquist (Lawrence, Kan.) recorded the rare Eagle Wednesday on the par 5 ninth hole (457 yards) with Lyons, winning by six shots, having six birdies and 12 pars today. She parred the last four holes on the back nine to secure her 66 after recording one bogey, two birdies and 15 pars in the opening round.
On the individual leaderboard, Berquist was third (145; 72-73), Swedish sophomore Pella Broms tied for seventh (148; 75-73) and Mexican freshman Paulina Flores tied for 11th (77-72). She was UNK's individual in this tourney. Finally, Dockter tied for 16th (151; 72-79) and Texas senior Sofia Wildeman tied for 34th (82-73).
Last year, UNK won five tournaments including the MIAA Championships, was second at regionals and 18th at the NCAA Championships in Florida.
The Blue & Gold return to action Sept. 21-22 at the MIAA/Newman Preview in Andover, Kan.