M State sophomore Ellia Soydara wins medalist honors and is the individual NJCAA Division III National Champion

Final Results (including round 4) of the 2024 NJCAA Div. III National Golf Championship at Chautauqua Golf Club (Par 72) in Chautauqua, NY.

Women:
*M State sophomore Ellia Soydara wins medalist honors and is the individual NJCAA Division III National Champion.
*She is the first Spartan women's golfer in school history to earn national championship honors.  Wyatt Blomseth won the individual championship as a Spartan on the men's team in 2021.
*In the toughest conditions of the week on Friday, Soydara shot a final-round 81-the best round in the field today by 4 shots.
*The round was highlighted by seven consecutive pars on holes 10-16.
*Ellia's four-day total was 322 (81-79-81-81) and her margin of victory was 7 shots.
*Runner-up was Haley Cassells of the College of DuPage who shot 329 (83-81-80-85) and third place was Ivy Burnett of the College of DuPage with a 330 (80-82-81-87).
*She is also the first ever M State women's golfer to be a two-time First Team All-American. (Finished 4th overall last year).
*Spartans head coach Jason Retzlaff was named the NJCAA Div. III Women's Coach of the Tournament.

More on Ellia Soydara's 2023-24 Golf Season:
*Ellia Soydara completed a historic season with the Spartans.
*She was the medalist in 7 of the 8 events she competed in.
*In competition this year, only one player bettered her as she finished in 2nd place in the only tournament she didn't win.
*She broke the following M State women's golf records:
              -Lowest season scoring average: 76.9 (14 rounds)
              -Lowest single round scoring record of 66 at the Spartan Invitational.
              -The round of 66 at the Spartan Invitational also broke the women's individual low round record for Pebble Lake Golf Course in Fergus Falls.
              -Lowest two-day score of 137 (68-69) at the Valley City State Invite.
              -Named the M State Women's Co-Student Athlete of the Year.
              -Ellia has signed a national letter of intent to play golf at Dickinson State University on a full-ride athletic scholarship.

Complete results of the championship can be found here: https://jccjayhawks.com/events/njcaa-championship

M State Head Coach Jason Retzlaff Quotes:
"What an amazing week for Ellia and our Spartan golf program with her winning the first individual women's national title in school history. I was so proud of the way she played all week but especially today in the final round.  Friday was easily the most difficult day with rain and heavy winds through the round. She got off to a nice start but struggled with a four over par stretch from holes 7-9.  With all the pressure on, she responded to that adversity with seven consecutive pars to essentially seal the championship on the back nine.  I can't say enough about her execution, course management, and self-belief under pressure. She had a lot of "wow" shots and had the discipline and maturity not to force the issue if she got in tough spots. I've said before that Ellia works as hard and is as prepared as anyone I have ever coached.  It is so special to see that type of effort culminate in a moment like this. We are so happy for Ellia and her family on her tremendous accomplishment."

Ellia Soydara with her medalist plaque after winning the championship. (Photo taken by Jeff Haukos).