DODGE CITY - The KCAC Match Play event has been around for seven seasons, beginning in the 2019-20 season.
KWU came away with a victory in KCAC Match Play, held on Monday and Tuesday at Mariah Hills. It's the fifth win in the seven years of the Match Play event. KWU narrowly finished second a year ago after winning the previous four events, but ascended back to the top this season.
The Coyotes fought through less than ideal weather conditions in Monday's qualifying round, fighting through extremely gusty winds and chilly temperatures, but came away with the No. 1 seed with a 375 for the round, three shots better than Evangel in the qualifying scores.
Ryann Warren finished second with an 88, Emily Stamper was fifth with a 91, Savanna Nickum and Chaney Littell tied for 17th with 98s, and Magen Dow was 21st with a 100 on the day.
Coming out of qualifying as the No. 1 seed, the Coyotes set the precedent for the field. KWU faced York University in the semifinal round, cruising to a 4.5-0-5 victory over the Panthers.
In the semifinals, Chaney Littell and Kelsey Essex won easily, both 9&7 over Erica Testerman and Alba Kindelan, respectively. Emily Stamper got a 3 UP win over Penelope Heaton. Savanna Nickum got a forfeit win as her opponent Regin Dunham withdrew from the match. One match was halved as Ryan Warren tied Sydney Fernandez.
KWU then faced Evangel in the championship match, winning 3.5 to 1.5.
KWU got another impressive win by Chaney Littell 9&8 over Elayna Nill. KWU got a 2 UP win by Kelsey Essex over Catherine Rhoads, winning the last two holes to claim the match. Ryann Warren also got a win, 1 UP over Sophie Nall. Warren was 1 DOWN after the 16th hole, but came back and won the 17th and the 18th to get the match victory. Savanna Nickum won the 18th hole to salvage a draw in her match with Lillie Mannering. Emily Stamper lost her match with Cally Gibson 1 UP to give Evangel its lone full point.