Bears become 2012 golf Big Sky Champions
Published: Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Updated: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 02:04
 "Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Big Sky Conference")
Photo Courtesy of the Big Sky Conference
The UNC women’s golf team celebrates with its trophy after winning the 2012 Big Sky Championship Tuesday, finishing with a score of 880.
The UNC women’s golf team was crowned the 2012 Big Sky Conference champion Tuesday after three days on the green at the Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler, Ariz.
University of Northern Colorado junior Carleigh Silvers was named the individual champion after shooting a 3-under-par 69 Tuesday, ending the tournament with a 3-under-par 213. Silvers shot a 2-over 73 Monday and a 1-under 71 Sunday.
The Bears finished with a final carded score of 880, tying the Big Sky record set by Portland State last year. Going into the tournament, the Bears were ranked seventh in the Big Sky, even though the team ended in third during last year’s tournament and had all five members return this season.
Sacramento State entered Tuesday with a two-stroke lead over the Bears.
UNC senior Chelsea Silvers and Portland State senior Tiffany Schoning tied for second, falling behind Carleigh by one stroke.
The Silvers sisters were the only Bears to place in single digits in the championship. Next in line were senior Ali Nelson and junior Libby Avery, who were in a three-way tie for 18th with Montana State junior Molly Dorans. Nelson shot a 77, 75 and 77 between the three days, respectively. Avery’s best day was Tuesday, when she shot a 74.
Junior Hannah McNeley ended in a tie for 21st with Weber State freshman Alli Cluff.
During the final day, the Bears were one shot shy of the school-record round score of 290, which the team recorded Sunday during the first round of the tournament.
After Monday’s round, the Chelsea led the Bears, shooting an even-par 72. Chelsea was tied in second Schoning. Sacramento State freshman Lexie Hall was sitting in first place after shooting a career-best 69.
Carleigh finished Monday close to her sister, taking fourth, ending with an even-par 144 between the first two days.
The Silvers sisters were named to the All-Tournament team. UNC now has an automatic bid to the NCAA West Regional. The regional will take place May 10-12 at the Colorado Nation Golf Club in Erie.
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