BOULDER CITY, Nev. – The University of Idaho women's golf team fell just short of repeating as the Big Sky Conference Champion after the post-season tournament needed an extra hole to determine the winner.
 
The Vandals, despite rallying from three strokes back to tie Sacramento State at the end of 54 holes, barely missed securing the title when the Hornets counted four pars on the playoff hole, while they had two pars and two bogeys. Both teams were at 900 after regulation.
 
"We mounted a great comeback once again this year," coach Lisa Johnson said. "Hats off to Sacramento State for a solid performance.
 
"It's heart-breaking to lose in a playoff after finishing the final round so strong."
 
Sophomore Sophie Hausmann was the impetus behind the third-round rally with her 69 – the best score of the tournament, to pull into a tie for second with teammate Clara Moyano. Both finished at five-over 221. Northern Arizona's Sofia Anokhina was the medalist at two-over 218.
 
The tournament marked the end of one of the Vandals' most successful seasons – largely because of the balance within the team. During the season, five players were honored as Golfer of the Week and Idaho had two first-team all-conference choices, two second-team selections and one honorable mention player.
 
"The team had a phenomenal year," Johnson said. "They won at Washington State and beat a number of top-25 teams throughout the course of the year."
 
Junior Kendall Gray tied for 11^th with a 230, senior Amy Hasenoehrl was 17^th with a 231, and sophomore Michelle Kim tied for 24^th with a 234.
 
Johnson had a special acknowledgement for Hasenoehrl, who played in her final collegiate tournament.
 
"Thanks to Amy for an awesome four years," Johnson said. "She has been a tremendous leader."