Spiders Claim Third-Straight Patriot League Title, DiPetrillo Takes Individual Crown

Sunday, April 22

Annapolis, Md.

8:30 AM

University of Richmond

Third Round

Spiders Claim Third-Straight Patriot League Title, DiPetrillo Takes Individual Crown

04/22/2018 | Women's Golf

Photo Gallery Results

By: Matt Moretti III (@Moretts13)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The University of Richmond women's golf team proved on Sunday afternoon at the U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club that adversity is just preparation for greatness. The Spiders trailed by as many as four strokes on the back nine but settled into a rhythm over the final few holes to come from behind and secure a third-straight Patriot League Championship.

Sophie DiPetrillo, trailing by four strokes and in third place on the individual leaderboard entering play on Sunday, fired a -1, 71, on the strength of three birdies and 13 pars to catch and pass the leaders and run away with the individual title (80-76-71, 227). With her second medalist effort this season, she becomes the first player in program history to secure a conference crown while also being the first player in program history to win two events in the same season.

DiPetrillo's incredible junior season could not have reached a better crescendo. Not only was this her second title, but she earned her sixth top-10, fourth top-five and contributed her seventh tally of better than 230. Her 71 on Sunday was her fourth round under par in her career, all of which have come this season. For her efforts at the Patriot League Championship, the junior was named the league's Most Outstanding Player while earning First Team All-Conference recognition.

Another major storyline was the play of freshman Lizzie Reedy who was everything she needed to be and more in her debut effort at this championship. She slept Saturday night on +15, 159 and a tie for sixth overall but like Sophie, she rose to the occasion and played championship golf in the final round. The Marietta, Ga. native fired a +1, 73, with three birdies spread over a four-hole stretch at the turn, and rose up to a third-place finish. She earned top freshman honors and was also an All-Conference First Team member.

Annie Collom rounded out the top 10 finishes for the Spiders. She closed in eight overall with a +9, 81 on Sunday after surging near the leaders with her second round 77 on Saturday afternoon. Always steady, Collom shook off a difficult start to her back nine to close with back-to-back pars on 17 and 18 that put some distance between Richmond and Navy. The Mids posted five bogeys on the 18th hole while the Spiders played it three-over during the final round. Collom's eight-place finish is her third top 10 in as many tries at the Patriot League Championship and earned Second Team All-Conference Recognition.

Senior Elsa Diaz (81-81-83, 245) finished her career with the Patriot League by tying for 16th overall alongside her teammate Isabella Rusher (81-81-83, 245) who was playing in her first event since October. Rusher played the final five holes at just one shot over par while Diaz posted five-straight pars on holes 12-16 to help keep the Spiders afloat while Navy charged. Freshman Ally Steffen was 35th overall in her Patriot League debut.

Up next for the Spiders will be their third-consecutive NCAA Regional event where they will compete against the best teams in the nation. On Wednesday at 5:30 on the Golf Channel, 72 teams and 24 individuals will learn where they'll be competing next during the Division I Women's Golf Selection Show. Host sites include, Tallahassee, Florida, Austin, Texas, Madison, Wisconsin and Stanford, California. The regional will take place at those sites May 7-9.