The 18th-ranked Pioneers women’s golf team shot a final round 5-over par 293 on Sept. 5 and wrapped up a 10-shot victory at the Topy Cup tournament, an annual event that pits some of the top collegiate teams in Japan against U.S. counterparts.
The Pioneers, who entered the final round with a seven stroke lead over second place Nihon University, notched their first tournament win of the season by shooting the best rounds in the field the final two days. The final round of the tournament was played in some inclement weather, as Typhoon Fitow took aim for Tokyo late Sept. 6 and 7.
DU’s top finisher was junior Katie Kempter, who after breaking a two year DU record by shooting a 7-under par 65 Tuesday, finished tied for the top spot with a 54-hole score of 214 (2-under par). Kempter shot a final-round 2-over par 74 on Wednesday and finished tied with Yoshimi Tamura of Mieji University, who also totaled 214 (2-under). The two were one shot clear of third place Michiko Okamiya of Hosei University (215).
Next for the Pioneers in the tournament was junior Dawn Shockley, who shot the best round of the tournament’s final round with a 3-under par 69 to finish in a tie for fifth place, six strokes back of Kempter and Tamura.
Senior Chelsea Benton finished in a tie for 10th with a 5-over par 221, and sophomore Stephanie Sherlock was just one stroke back of Benton in a tie for 12th with a 54-hole score of 222 (6-over par).
Junior Sara Djos finished in 24th place with a 54-hole score of 234 (18-over par).
“This win is one of the most important wins in Pioneer women’s golf history,” head coach Sammie Chergo said.
The team will host the annual Ron Moore Women’s Intercollegiate at Highlands Ranch Golf Club on Sept. 17.