Soydara Breaks PLGC Women's Record with M State School Record 66
Spartan All-American golfer Ellia Soydara fired a 6-under par 66 to earn medalist honors at the Spartan Invitational on Friday, breaking the Pebble Lake Golf Course women’s record and setting a new M State school record as well. Soydara won by 13 shots over runner-up Sydney Carlson of Valley City State who shot a 79. Soydara carded only one bogey in the round, while adding 5 birdies and an eagle. The round was highlighted by a 3-hole stretch from holes 2 through 4 where Soydara made birdie, eagle, birdie.
“Ellia made today one of the great days in the history of our golf program with an unbelievable display of golf,” said Spartan Head Coach Jason Retzlaff. “She had one of those ‘dream’ days where every part of the game was in full flight. Her round included over 100 feet of made putts, a chip-in for birdie, a tap-in eagle and only one bogey. While she is a very talented golfer, Ellia is a very humble and a high character young lady. She is also one of themost dedicated, focused, and intelligent players we have had in our program. It was incredibly rewarding to watch her hard work pay off, with her family watching, with such a special day.”
Valley City State won the women’s team competition with a score of 352. The previous Pebble Lake GC records were held by Sydney Busker of Detroit Lakes (67) and the tournament record was held by Fergus Falls Otter standout Annika Jyrkas (69). Soydara has medaled in all three of her events this season.”
Ellia Soydara set the Women's Course Record at PLGC, along with M State school record. PHOTO by JEFF HAUKOS
Spartan Men's golf team (Left to right: Nathan Hillman, Riley Stromlund, Charlie Fuder, Markus Nelson, Erik Bjorndahl, Adam Vatnsdal, Brock Thompson). PHOTO by JEFF HAUKOS
The Spartan men’s team finished in third place out of nine teams, shooting a 316. Charlie Fuder shot an even par round of 72 to earn 2nd place individually in a field of 48 players. Brady Schwinghammer of Alex Tech was the medalist with a 67 (-5 under par). Alex Tech won the team competition with a 299 while the University of Jamestown (White) was runner-up with a 308.
Men’s Team Results
1. Alexandria Tech 299, 2. University of Jamestown (White) 308, 3. M State 316, 4. University of Jamestown (Black) 317, 5. Valley City State (Cardinal) 326, 6. UM-Morris (1) 329, 7. Mayville State 339, 8. UM-Morris (2) 369, 9. Valley City State (White) 408
M State Individual Results
Charlie Fuder 72, Erik Bjorndahl 81, Brock Thompson 81, Adam Vatnsdal 82, Markus Nelson 87
Riley Stromlund 82, Nathan Hillman 86
“I was very pleased with our performance against a field of primarily four-year colleges,” said Coach Retzlaff. “We had a few rounds where our players struggled early but hung in there and ended with solid scores. That is a good sign from a young team that we hope to build on in the coming weeks. Charlie Fuder was tremendous today. After a few early bogeys, he struck the ball extremely well and capitalized on a lot of birdie opportunities. To finish 2nd individually in a strong field of 48 players was a great performance. Overall, it was a good day for our men and we look forward to competing in Jamestown on Monday.”
The Spartans will compete next on Monday at the two-day, 54-hole (36 holes on Monday) Jimmie Fall Invite at Jamestown CC in Jamestown, ND.
