Women's Golf 10/24/2018 7:15:00 PM Jordan Alves

Withrow's magic comes up short in playoff; Lady Tigers finish third in NCCAA Championship

PALM COAST, Fla. — Kylie Withrow entered the day with a three-stroke lead, but Biola University's Sami Penor rallied in the final round and outlasted Withrow in a playoff to win individual medalist honors at the NCCAA Championship.

Withrow shot a final round 79 – her highest score of the championship – and Penor fired a 76. Withrow's day started with a birdie on the par-five 10^thbut fell victim nine bogeys to fall back to eight-over for the day.

But on the par-five ninth hole – her 18^thof the day – it came down to a 36-foot birdie putt and Withrow drained it. Penor three-putted and the two went to the playoff.

In the playoff, both Withrow and Penor had 20mph winds coming back into their faces and missed their approach shots on the short-side about 25-yards out. Withrow's shot went long and she gave herself a 42-footer but Penor's chip from the sand hit the pin and settled nicely to about four-foot. Penor made the par-putt to claim the title.

"I really feel for her (Kylie) because she told me that winning a national championship has always been a goal of hers and one that she didn't think she could achieve," said coach Ashley Goodin. "She has worked harder than anyone that I have ever seen and deserved the title more than anyone I know. It was hard to watch it unfold as it was truly an emotional roller coaster.

"I remember thinking I didn't deserve to even be walking with her to that tee box (playoff hole) because she's a better golfer than I ever dreamed to be. Recording the scores she did was a feat in itself and it was a great opportunity. She played very well this season, and week, but it doesn't take away that disappointment I know she felt. No one wanted that more than her, I can promise that."

Withrow finished in second place and claimed NCCAA All-American honors for the second straight season, while fellow senior Michaela Jarman shot her lowest score of the championship, a four-over 76, to move into a tie for seventh and sneak into All-American honors as well – the first of her career.

Freshmen Paige Ferguson and Madison Ferrie both fell off the pace in their final rounds. Ferguson shot a 90 to finish tied for 23^rd, while Ferrie had an 88 and finished tied for 30^th.

Sophomore Kristen Miller finished her championship with a 92 and placed in a tie for 35^th.

Biola University won the team title by 22 strokes over Erskine College. Ottawa went wire-to-wire with scores of 312-311-309.

The Lady Tigers finished in third place with scores of 319-325-333.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Ashley Goodin: Senior; Columbia, Ky.

Michaela Jarman: Junior; Danville, Ky.

Kylie Withrow: Junior; Glasgow, Ky.

Kristen Miller: Freshman; Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Madison Ferrie: Freshman; Campbellsville, Ky.

Paige Ferguson: Freshman; Evansville, Ind.

Players Mentioned

Ashley Goodin
: Senior; Columbia, Ky.

Michaela Jarman
: Junior; Danville, Ky.

Kylie Withrow
: Junior; Glasgow, Ky.

Kristen Miller
: Freshman; Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Madison Ferrie
: Freshman; Campbellsville, Ky.

Paige Ferguson
: Freshman; Evansville, Ind.