Milligan Scores Women's Golf Championship; Castle Earns Player of the Year Honors

Milligan Scores Women's Golf Championship; Castle Earns Player of the Year Honors
April 18, 2023

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - Milligan has punched its ticket to the 2023 NAIA National Championship Tournament as it won the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Women's Golf Direct Qualifier Tournament on Tuesday.

The two-day event was held at Link Hills Country Club in Greeneville, Tenn.

Milligan entered the day tied with SCAD Atlanta as both squads shot a 330 during round one. However, Milligan shot 18 strokes better during the final round to finish at 642, edging SCAD Atlanta by six strokes.

Truett McConnell (668) was third, while Tennessee Wesleyan (685) and Reinhardt (690) rounded out the top five. Making up the rest of the field were Brenau (692), Point (724), Bryan (758), and Montreat (808).

By virtue of winning the tournament, Milligan receives an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship Tournament, which will be held on May 23-26 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

At the end of regulation play, there was a three-way tie for the medalist honors between Lauren Welte of Reinhardt, Maisie Hassall of Tennessee Wesleyan, and Shelly Jang of SCAD Atlanta. All three parred the first playoff hole, requiring play to continue. On the second playoff hole, Jang was able to par, while Welte and Hassall each went over par.

All three earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team. There was a four-way tie for fourth, meaning Martha Sanchez of SCAD Atlanta, Gabby Hammond of Milligan, Sarah Castle of Milligan, and Kate Castle of Milligan also made the All-Tournament.

Tony Wallingford of Milligan is the Coach of the Year.

For the team scores, click here. For the individual results, click here.

The All-AAC Team and Awards were also announced. Making the first team are Kate Castle and Alayna Perryman of Milligan; Hassall; Megan Ahmadi of SCAD Atlanta; and Mary Grace Davidson of Truett McConnell. Earning spots on the second team are Madison Panter of Truett McConnell; Martha Sanchez and Ariel Zhu of SCAD Atlanta; and Mallory TeVrucht and Sarah Castle of Milligan.

Kate Castle of Milligan is the Player of the Year.

In addition, 11 student-athletes were named to the Champions of Character Team with a couple dozen making the All-Academic Team. For the full list of honorees, click here.