Women’s Golf Claims Team Title; McCartan Wins Individual Honors at Boise State Bronco Fall Invitational

Posted: Sep 17, 2013

KUNA, Idaho – Junior Kaci McCartan shot a 1-under-par 215 to win her first collegiate tournament and the Broncos held off the field to capture the team title by seven strokes at the Boise State Bronco Fall Invitational played at the Falcon Crest Golf Club.

Entering today's final round at 4-under, McCartan carded a 3-over-par 75 and won the tournament by two strokes over teammate Annie Freman, Boise State's Genevieve Ling and Jamie Donizio, and Portland State's A Ram Choi, who all finished at 1-over 217.

"I'm really proud of her right now," said head coach Krystal Kelly. "She simplified her game and when she does that she plays well. She held it together today."

Sophomore Meghan Shain recorded three rounds of 73 to place in a tie for seventh place at 3-over 219, giving the Broncos three top-10 finishers.

The Broncos built a 9-stroke cushion after two rounds thanks in part to a program-best round of 287 (-1) in yesterday's second round. Santa Clara shot a 297 in today's final round and ended the tournament with an 11-over 875, seven strokes better than host Boise State (+18, 882). It was Santa Clara's first tournament win since capturing the Lamkin Grip Invitational on November 8, 2011.

For the first time in program history the Broncos scored below 300 in all three rounds of a tournament and nearly matched the number of sub-300 rounds (4) accomplished over the last 13 years. "It was an incredible week, very emotional," Kelly added. "They played smart, hit the most greens in regulation I've seen in a long time and converted a lot of putts."

Becoming just the third Bronco to post a score in the 60s over the last five seasons, McCartan established a career-best round with a 3-under-par 69 in yesterday's second round. She was the only player to finish the 54-hole tournament under par.

Freman, the only freshman on the roster, claimed her second top-10 finish in as many tournaments with her second place showing. After her ninth place finish at last week's Hobble Creek Invitational, Freman was named a Player to Watch on Golfweek.com's Fab Freshman list.

Playing in her first tournament of the season, sophomore Ashley Noda shot a final round 79 and barely missed a top-20 finish in the 62-player field, tying for 21st place with a 12-over 228.

The Broncos return to action next week competing in the Washington State Cougar Cup in Pullman, Wash., beginning on Monday, September 23. "I think it's a good thing," Kelly said about playing a week after winning. "It keeps the momentum going."

Bronco Fall Invitational Final Team Standings

1. Santa Clara 291-287-297 = 875 (+11)

2. Boise State 291-296-295 = 882 (+18)

3. Portland State 301-294-292 = 887 (+23)

4. Grand Canyon 307-298-304 = 909 (+45)

5. Weber State 302-303-305 = 910 (+46)

6. Hawaii 310-304-297 = 911 (+47)

7. Eastern Washington 304-308-309 = 921 (+57)

8. Montana State 315-311-307 = 933 (+69)

9. Utah Valley 322-322-325 = 969 (+105)

10. Idaho State 338-336-329 = 1003 (+139)

Santa Clara Final Individual Results