By: Ace Hunt
SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College women's golf team made history earlier this month, earning the program's first-ever NAIA National Ranking on the heels of a championship performance at the River States Conference Fall Preview Tournament.
The Pomeroys checked in at No. 47 in the national poll with five votes, becoming the first RSC team to appear in the rankings not named Midway University or Indiana University East. SMWC also became the first non-Midway or IU East program to capture either the RSC Preview or league championship.
The team closed its fall slate in championship form at The Resort at Glade Springs, hosted by West Virginia Tech. The Pomeroys posted a two-round team total of 637 (331–306) to finish seven strokes ahead of runner-up Indiana University East (644). Midway placed third with 651, followed by Oakland City (659) and Indiana University Kokomo (664).
SMWC's second-round score of 306 was the lowest team round of the tournament and vaulted the Pomeroys into first place after trailing by two strokes following the opening round.
Top Individual Finishes
- Macie Shirk tied for fourth at 158 (84–74).
- Kristin Pagach and Bailey Barker each tied for sixth at 159. Pagach carded rounds of 84–75, while Barker shot 80–79.
- Renae Jaeger tied for 12th with 164 (83–81).
- Brooklee Bussing tied for 17th with 167 (89–78).
- Gabbie Blakeney finished with 191 (101–90).
- Brianna Andres tied for 39th with 196 (97–99).
Final Team Standings
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods – 331-306 – 637
- Indiana University East – 329-315 – 644
- Midway – 327-324 – 651
- Oakland City – 334-325 – 659
- Indiana University Kokomo – 334-330 – 664
- IU Southeast – 710
- Rio Grande – 726
- Shawnee State – 741
The Fall Preview also served as a look ahead to the course that will host the 2026 RSC Championship, positioning SMWC as a frontrunner entering postseason play.
With the victory and national recognition, the Pomeroys conclude their fall season. The team will resume competition in the spring.
