MESA, Ariz. - South Dakota State made history Tuesday at Longbow Golf Club, capturing its first Summit League Women’s Golf Championship with a three-round total of 882 (+30) to edge Denver by six strokes.
The Jackrabbits are just the fourth program to win the league title, joining Oral Roberts (15), North Dakota State (1) and Denver (10). The Pioneers entered the championship having won six consecutive titles and 10 of the last 11.
SDSU senior McKenzie Mages set the tone all week and closed the door in the final round, finishing at 212 (-1) to earn medalist honors. After her tournament-low 68 in round two, the Sioux Falls, S.D., native stayed steady Tuesday with an even-par 71 to collect the gold. With the win, Mages became the first Jackrabbit since 2021 (Teresa Toscano) to take first place at the championships.
Denver posted the best round of the day with a 288 (+4), trimming a 16-stroke deficit to six (888; +36) and moving past Oral Roberts to secure second place. Junior Anna Neumayer led the charge with a final-round 70 (-1), climbing into solo second as one of two golfers to shoot under par for the day.
Oral Roberts remained in the mix throughout and secured third at 890 (+38). Jayla Kucy finished third individually at 219 (+6), backing up a consistent three-round performance that included her memorable hole-in-one during Monday’s second round. The sophomore finished each round with a score of 73 (+2).
North Dakota State followed in fourth at 895 (+43), led by Jeri Lafleche, who put together a final-round 72 (+1) to move into fourth place individually. Teammate Madi Hicks wasn’t far behind, tying for fifth at 221 (+8) after a 74 on Tuesday.
The middle of the leaderboards saw plenty of movement in the final round. South Dakota climbed into fifth at 903 (+51), with Catie Nekola tying for seventh to lead the Yotes. USD's Ava Schroeder added a solid closing round to keep the Coyotes moving forward, climbing three spots with her lowest round of the tournament (74;+3).
St. Thomas took sixth at 909 (+57) behind a pair of top-15 finishes from Karen Lind Stefansdottir and Emma Davies, while Omaha (914; +62) and North Dakota (953; +101) rounded out the standings.
All Tournament Team
1. McKenzie Mages, South Dakota State (212; -1)
2. Anna Neumayer, Denver (218; +5)
3. Jayla Kucy, Oral Roberts (219; +6)
4. Jeri Lafleche, North Dakota State (220; +7)
t5. Madi Hicks, North Dakota State (221; +8)
t5. Lydia Swan, Oral Roberts (221; +8)
Team Standings
1. South Dakota State (298-286-298 = 882; +30)
2. Denver (302-298-288 = 888; +36)
3. Oral Roberts (309-286-295 = 890; +38)
4. North Dakota State (303-299-293 = 895; +43)
5. South Dakota (300-312-291 = 903; +51)
6. St. Thomas (312-298-299 = 909; +57)
7. Omaha (314-310-290 = 914; +62)
8. North Dakota (328-317-308 = 953; +101)
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