Friday, April 21
Boulder City, Nev.
Montana
at
Big Sky Conference Championships
Montana finishes eighth at Big Sky championship
4/23/2017 6:37:00 PM | Golf
Results
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The Montana women's golf team shot a final-round 313 on Sunday to finish eighth at the Big Sky Conference championship, which was held at the Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev.
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The Grizzlies, who were playing with one senior in the lineup, opened the tournament with a 328 on Friday, then shot a 308 on Saturday to move into eighth, where they remained after Sunday's round.
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"For the most part it was a really good tournament," said coach Matt Higgins. "There were a lot of encouraging things to build on for the summer and going into next fall."
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After finishing second at the championship six of the last eight years, Sacramento State finally ascended to the top, defeating defending champion Idaho in a playoff for its first title since 2007.
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Kari Opatz (83-72-75) led Montana the final two rounds, playing her last 36 holes at 3-over after opening with an 83 on Friday. She tied for 11th overall and was the only Grizzly in the top 30.
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Baylee Barckley (84-81-77) and Teigan Avery (85-85-79) also had final-round scores in the 70s on Sunday.
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Hailey Hoagland (76-78-86) was on track to post three rounds in the 70s, but the expected heavy winds finally arrived when Montana was on the 15th. Hoagland played the final three holes at 7-over to card an 86 and fall to 33rd in the standings.
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"We had some big numbers, and that hurt us," said Higgins. "We didn't finish our rounds the last couple of days, and that will always hurt you if you can't finish."
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Northern Arizona's Sofia Anokhina (72-71-75) earned medalist honors at 2-over, three strokes clear of the field.
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The tournament closes out the year for Montana, which will return its top four scorers next year in Opatz, Hoagland, Avery and Barckley. Three other underclassmen also will return.
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"The girls who are returning are already excited to get out there next fall and show they can be near the top," Higgins said.
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"The team grew this year, and that's what you want to see. The players who will be returning got a lot of experience this year, so we're going to have a bunch of good leaders next year."
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The Montana women's golf team shot a final-round 313 on Sunday to finish eighth at the Big Sky Conference championship, which was held at the Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev.
Â
The Grizzlies, who were playing with one senior in the lineup, opened the tournament with a 328 on Friday, then shot a 308 on Saturday to move into eighth, where they remained after Sunday's round.
Â
"For the most part it was a really good tournament," said coach Matt Higgins. "There were a lot of encouraging things to build on for the summer and going into next fall."
Â
After finishing second at the championship six of the last eight years, Sacramento State finally ascended to the top, defeating defending champion Idaho in a playoff for its first title since 2007.
Â
Kari Opatz (83-72-75) led Montana the final two rounds, playing her last 36 holes at 3-over after opening with an 83 on Friday. She tied for 11th overall and was the only Grizzly in the top 30.
Â
Baylee Barckley (84-81-77) and Teigan Avery (85-85-79) also had final-round scores in the 70s on Sunday.
Â
Hailey Hoagland (76-78-86) was on track to post three rounds in the 70s, but the expected heavy winds finally arrived when Montana was on the 15th. Hoagland played the final three holes at 7-over to card an 86 and fall to 33rd in the standings.
Â
"We had some big numbers, and that hurt us," said Higgins. "We didn't finish our rounds the last couple of days, and that will always hurt you if you can't finish."
Â
Northern Arizona's Sofia Anokhina (72-71-75) earned medalist honors at 2-over, three strokes clear of the field.
Â
The tournament closes out the year for Montana, which will return its top four scorers next year in Opatz, Hoagland, Avery and Barckley. Three other underclassmen also will return.
Â
"The girls who are returning are already excited to get out there next fall and show they can be near the top," Higgins said.
Â
"The team grew this year, and that's what you want to see. The players who will be returning got a lot of experience this year, so we're going to have a bunch of good leaders next year."
Players Mentioned
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Griz Volleyball vs. Sacramento State Highlights - 9/25/25
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Griz Volleyball vs. Sacramento State Postgame Report - 9/25/25
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