Soydara Sets Another Spartan Record, Earns Medalist Honors Again
M State sophomore Ellia Soydara earned medalist honors, shooting rounds of 68 and 69 for a two-day total of 7-under par 137 at the VCSU Invite at CrossRoads Golf Club in Carrington, North Dakota. Her performance led to an 8 shot win over the 21 player field as Soydara broke the M State school record for a two-day tournament score. Brooklyn Meteri of Dickinson State was runner-up with a two-day total of 145.
“Words can’t express how well Ellia played the past two days on a course she has never seen before,” exclaimed Head Coach Jason Retzlaff of M State. “She absolutely picked the course apart from start to finish in two round that had minimal moments of stress. While her driving is always such a great strength, her putter couldn’t be stopped. She opened the tournament making a 20-footer for birdie and ended the tourney with a 20-footer for par. It was pin high approach shots and great birdie chances on repeat. She really capitalized by making 12 birdies combined for the two days. It is a joy to watch someone with such skill and high character break Spartan records. Her confidence continues to grow and the results have followed suit.”
Ellia Soydara's tee shot on the 14th hole during day two of the VCSU Invite. (PHOTO by JENNIFER SOYDARA)
Ellia Soydara chipping onto the green during day one of the VCSU Invite. (PHOTO by JENNIFER SOYDARA)
Over the two day tournament, Soydara never made worse than a bogey. She has now been the medalist in three of the four events she has competed in this fall. Through 8 fall season rounds, her scoring average is 75.3.
Dickinson State won the team title with a 651 (330-321) and Valley City State was second with a 680 (342-338).
The Spartan Men and Women will compete on Friday in a triangular at Maple River Golf Course in Mapleton, ND.
