UI women win WAC golf

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Junior Renee Skidmore tied for second and three of her University of Idaho teammates also notched top-10 finishes as the Vandals won the Western Athletic Conference women’s golf championship Wednesday at the University Golf Course at New Mexico State University.

It is the second WAC championship for Vandals athletic program. The other came in 2005 when the women’s cross country team triumphed.

The Vandals, who will learn of their regional placement Monday, won by three strokes over San Jose State, 906-909. Hawaii was third at 911 and Nevada fourth at 915. Fresno State (919), New Mexico State (933) and Boise State (935) rounded out the scoring.

“It was absolutely as nerve-wracking as any golf tournament I’ve been a part of,” said coach Brad Rickel, who was honored as the WAC Coach of the Year, said in a school press release. “I knew we were in a battle. We told somebody with six holes left, ‘If we don’t win the next six holes, we won’t win the tournament.’ I knew it would come down to one shot. It was that close.”

Skidmore started the day in a tie for fifth but closed the 54-hole tournament with a 1-over-par 73 for a 224 total and the second-place tie. Fellow junior Kelly Nakashima finished eighth at 228, while senior Cassie Castleman. Freshman Beth Stonecypher tied for ninth at 229, and freshman Amanda Jacobs tied for 21st at 235.

“The reason we won is we have a complete team. Five strong,” Rickel said. “Everybody contributed.”