Playoff hole decides SSAC women’s championship

Published 8:15 am Saturday, April 19, 2025

It was a thrilling end to the SSAC Women’s Golf Championship, but it didn’t go the way #4 Dalton State would have liked as #14 William Carey (Miss.) came from behind to snag victory in a playoff at RTJ at Cambrian Ridge in Greenville, Alabama, on Wednesday.

#14 William Carey (Miss.) and #4 Dalton State (Ga.) tied at 312 (+48) with Carey winning the tournament on the first playoff hole. #18 Loyola (La.) (939, +75) remained third as the bottom half of the top-5 remained unchanged. Blue Mountain (Miss.) came home fourth at 993 (+129), with Point (Ga.) (994, +130) in fifth.

Recap

Round 1: Jia Kataria delivered an impressive performance, shooting 1-under-par 71 to take the lead. She showcased consistency across both the front and back nine, securing a strong position heading into the next round. Sara Burger followed closely, posting a 73 (+1) to stay within striking distance of the leader.

Meanwhile, Tylah James recorded a 77 (+5), with Tara Phipps finishing right behind her at 78 (+6) as the team carded a 299 (+11). Hanna Bullard battled through the course, finishing with a score of 82 (+10).

Additionally, Ella Ahlqvist and Ella Cress played as individuals. The duo rounded out the field of Lady Roadrunners with an 84 (+12) and 86 (+14), respectively.

Round 2:DS maintained the team lead with a 16-over 304. Sara Burger now leads the field with a strong round of 74 (+2), securing her position at the top with consistent play throughout the 18 holes. Tylah James finished close behind at 75 (+3), showcasing resilience despite setbacks. Jia Kataria delivered a solid round with 77 (+5), maintaining her competitiveness in the tournament.

Hanna Bullard and Tara Phipps showed determination, completing the round at 78 (+6) and 81 (+9), respectively. Individuals Ella Ahlqvist and Ella Cress faced a tough challenge but persevered with scores of 81 (+9) and 83 (+11).

Round 2: Jia Kataria claimed individual medalist honors with an even-par score of 72, showcasing steady play throughout the round. Highlights included birdies on holes 6, 14, and 18, with just a single bogey on hole 9.

Tylah James finished in seventh place, shooting 77 (+5). James had bright moments with birdies on 6 and 8, but bogeys on 3, 5, 9, 13, and 14 kept them from challenging for the lead.

Tied at 80 (+8), Sara Burger and Hanna Bullard are both battled through a tough round. Burger’s round featured birdies on 4 and 12, while Bullard also carded birdies on the same holes.

Further down the leaderboard, Tara Phipps finished at 86 (+14), and Ella Cress at 85 (+13). Ella Ahlqvist managed a 79 (+7), showing resilience in the closing holes.

 Up next

#4 Dalton State now set their sights on the NAIA Women’s Golf Championship at Eagle Crest Golf Club in Ypsilanti, Michigan, May 13-16.