The NCAA News - News and Features

May 25, 1998

Monarchs take secondII/III women's golf crown

Methodist laid claim to early dominance in the short history of the Divisions II and III Women's Golf Championships by winning its second team title in three years May 15 at Grand Valley State.

The Monarchs posted a four-round total of 1,254 in capturing the second title in the event's three-year history by five strokes over Florida Southern.

The Monarchs were tied for first with Longwood after the first day of competition and began to make their move in the second round, posting a four-shot advantage. The Monarchs then fired the low round of the tournament with a third-day 306 to build an 18-stroke bulge. Florida Southern, however, mounted a final charge, also posting a 306 during the fourth round to force the Monarchs, who shot 319, to hold on for the title.

Longwood placed third at 1,277 and Simpson finished fourth at 1,301. Mankato State rounded out the top five at 1,317.

Shanna Nagy of Florida Southern earned medalist honors for the second time in three years. Nagy, who also was runner-up last year, battled Methodist's Tracey Gage for individual honors this time around.

Gage led after the first day, but Nagy gained a one-stroke advantage at the halfway mark. Gage then fired a third-round 73 and built a three-stroke advantage, but Nagy won the title with a final-round 74 to nip Gage by two shots.

Kelly Sheehan of Florida Southern finished third at 310, and Franklin's Susan Bean and Carol Brogan of Methodist tied for fourth at 312.