DICKINSON, N.D. (vcsuvikings.com) – VCSU junior Jocelyn Braunberger erased a four-shot deficit on Thursday to win medalist honors at the 36-hole Dickinson State Spring Invite.
Braunberger entered the final round trailing by four shots after shooting an 86 on Wednesday. On Thursday, she carded an 81 – the best round of the tournament – en route to a three-shot victory and her seventh career win.
The two-day meet at Heart River Golf Course in Dickinson was the final tune-up for VCSU before the NSAA Championships, which will be held Monday and Tuesday in La Crosse, Wis.
The small tournament included just VCSU and Dickinson. Braunberger’s 167 total and first-place finish led the Viking women. Hayley Shanks placed fifth with a 190 total (89-101). Ashley McKittrick was eighth (205, 112-93) and Megan Haugrud was ninth (240, 118-122). Dickinson State won the women’s tournament with a 701 total (343-358). The Vikings shot an 802 (405-397).
On the men’s side, Rory Gentzkow placed third to lead the Vikings. After shooting a first-round 80 on Wednesday, Gentzkow carded a 2-over 74 on Thursday to finish in third place. His 10-over total of 154 was just three shots off the champion.
Taylor Finlayson recorded a 162 total (80-82) to place sixth, and Jayden Ewoniuk finished with a 165 (85-80) to place seventh. Darynt Carroll (184, 96-88) was 11th, and Hunter Berg (191, 104-87) was 12th.
The Viking men placed second with a 664 total. VCSU shot a 341 on Wednesday, but cut 18 shots to card a 323 on Thursday. Dickinson State won the tournament with a 625 total.
Up next: Valley City State competes at the NSAA Conference Championships. The 36-hole tournament will be played Monday and Tuesday in La Crosse, Wis.