Sept. 30, 2003

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Western Washington University's Kelly White (Sr., Monroe) took medalist honors by winning a playoff on the first extra hole, but the Vikings could not hold onto a four-stroke first-day lead as they placed second among six teams in the Grand Canyon University Women's Golf Fall Invitational that ended Tuesday at the Sundance Golf Club.

The Vikings posted a 36-hole score of 645, shooting a final-round 321. Western New Mexico, which trailed by four shots after play Monday, shot 313 to take the team title at 641. Northeastern State OK carded the tourney's best round of 311 Tuesday to place third at 649. Cal State San Marcos was fourth (328-325=653), followed by Chico State (350-339=689) and Grand Canyon (362-349=711).

"We let it slip away," said Western coach Dean Russell. "We had it in our grasp, and we didn't finish our round the last three holes. We've got to get better at finishing and playing the last three holes as tough as the first three. That will come in time."

White, who led by one shot going into the final round, shot a 4-over par 76 and tied at 153 with Stephanie Segura (78-75) from Cal State San Marcos. White won the ensuing playoff with a birdie on the first hole.

Candice Wagner (So., Milton/Fife) shot 164 (83-81) for Western, Katie Bender (Fr., Tacoma/Bellarmine) 165 (85-80), Katja Trygg (So., Bainbridge Island) 167 (79-88) and Sarah Cooper (Sr., Marysville/Marysville-Pilchuck) 170 (86-84).

Western next competes in the San Diego State Invitational on Oct. 20-22.