The Wyoming Cowgirls golf team won the National Golf Invitational on May 17 at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona. The team led the tournament from start to finish and set a new event record with a total score of 873 (+9).
This victory marks an important milestone for the program, as it is the first postseason appearance and win for the Cowgirls. It is also their first tournament victory since 2023.
“It’s kind of tough to put this moment into words,” Wyoming head coach Josey Stender said. “I think it’s one thing to have a team that’s talented, but our team’s heart is what really separated us. Just working so hard to get over hump and finish at a high level. We have preached our process, our routine and just focus on the little things by keeping it simple. I truly think they relied on that especially when the wind picked up the course played difficult about the last 9 to 12 holes. I’m just proud of this group overall and what a great season.” Stender also praised senior Meghan Vogt: “Meghan is one of the toughest players we have had here at the University of Wyoming,” she said. “She defines what it means to be a Cowgirl and represented the Brown and Gold with class. We couldn’t have done this without her leadership and play this season.”
The Cowgirls finished their spring season with six top five finishes, including their highest-ever Mountain West Championship result at fourth place.
Kiley Reisner led Wyoming in individual scoring with a final round of 71 (-1), finishing second overall at three under par for the event (213). Elle Higgins tied for fourth after shooting rounds totaling 217 (+1). Meghan Vogt closed her career tying for seventh place at +2 (218). Other contributors included Kira Reisner (225) and Emerson Purcell (228).
Addison Kartusch from Bowling Green claimed individual honors with a tournament record score of seven under par (211). Denver placed second in team standings, eight strokes behind Wyoming, while Rutgers finished third.
Looking ahead, several members of the Cowgirl golf team plan to compete in summer qualifying tournaments following their successful season.
