CHANDLER, AZ- The Cougars completed their final round at the RMAC Championships Tuesday. Colorado Christian played incredibly throughout, winning the program's first RMAC championship as Faith Kilgore claimed the individual title in the process.
"This is really the culmination of a lot of years of hard work. No one outside of this program understands what has gone into just making sure we have a program, let alone a successful one. It has been an absolute grind, but so rewarding" said head coach Philip Nelson. "I am really happy for Faith and Em (Donaldson) who came here on a vision of winning conference, and were finally able to achieve that after 4 years. Our whole group of 8 girls has worked so hard this year to make each other better and prepare ourselves to win this."
ROUND ONE
Faith Kilgore began with a 72 to start the tournament. Kiersten Bryant followed with a 74 and Emily Donaldson put up a 76. Courtney Andersson shot a 77 and Emily Doeden put up a 78.
ROUND TWO
Kilgore stayed steady on day two, shooting a 73 to give herself a chance at the title on the final day. Bryant matched her day one score with a 74 to stay near the top of the leaderboard. Donaldson had the best day for the Cougars with a 72 and Andersson posted a 74. Doeden closed with an 86.
ROUND THREE
It was a day to remember for Kilgore as she played an incredible final round, netting five birdies and an eagle to finish with a 68 and claim the RMAC individual title.
"Faith really showed some guts and mental fortitude the back 9 birdieing 4 straight and taking the lead. That's just what she does though," said Nelson. "Ultimately we needed that to help us win. So happy for her to pull out the individual win after multiple years of finishing 2nd at this tournament."
Bryant followed with a 70 to take third place overall. Donaldson shot a 75 to tie for seventh and Andersson posted a 77 to take home 11th. Doeden shot an 84 to take 41st.
"UCCS gave us their best shot this week and the girls stood there and took punch after punch and just responded so well," Nelson said. "To have both teams beat the RMAC tournament scoring record handily and for us to come out on top was quite impressive. It was a back and forth battle for 3 days."
The Cougars ultimately won the team title by eight strokes with an overall score of 882, the lowest score in RMAC tournament history.
"What I am most happy with is that this season is not over. I have enjoyed coaching these girls so much and the fact we get to keep playing is such a treat," said Nelson. "With the way they are playing, we've got a chance to make it out of our brutal regional and on to nationals."
UP NEXT- The newly crowned conference champions will now take their talents to the NCAA Regional Championships in Stockton, California May 2-4.
