Harding Climbs Five Spots with Strong Final Round at Battle for the Belt

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Harding University's women's golf team made a significant move up the leaderboard Monday, firing a tournament-best 298 in the final round to climb five spots into fourth place at the Battle for the Belt.

Hosted by Henderson State at Hot Springs Country Club, the NCAA Division II tournament saw Harding's total score of 913 (313-302-298) propel them past Southern Arkansas and three other teams they trailed entering the final round.

Henderson State claimed the team title with a score of 892 (298-292-302), followed by Arkansas Tech at 908 (309-298-301) and Missouri Southern at 912 (300-304-308).

Sarah Kmiecik led Harding's charge, carding a 71 in the final round to finish tied for sixth at 223 (77-75-71). Sydney Kincade tied for eighth at 226 (76-75-75), while Pilar Martinez tied for 15th at 228 (78-76-74). Kmiecik was solid with a team-best 37 pars, and Martinez paced the team with eight birdies.

Katarina Chynoranska of Missouri Southern took individual honors with a 214 (74-70-70), one stroke ahead of Henderson State's Felisa Sajulga.

Harding's strong finish sets the stage for a promising conclusion to their fall season, when they play on Oct. 28-29 at the Tulsa Cup, hosted by Rogers State at The Club at Forest Ridge in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Sydney Kincade: 5' 2"; Sophomore

Pilar Martinez: 5' 7"; Junior

Sarah Kmiecik: 5' 3"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Sydney Kincade
: 5' 2"; Sophomore

Pilar Martinez
: 5' 7"; Junior

Sarah Kmiecik
: 5' 3"; Senior