Strong final round by Berkland lifts Storm to third at Clarke

GALENA, Ill. — Kelsa Berkland carded an 89 in the final round, leading the Simpson women's golf team to third place of six teams at the Clarke Invitational from Eagle Ridge Resort.

The two-day tournament concluded Sunday at Eagle Ridge's North Course after the first 18 were contested at the South Course. Sunday's 18 was shorter, a par-72, 5,801-yard layout as opposed to Saturday's 5,811 yards.

The Storm moved up one spot from Saturday to Sunday, overtaking St. Ambrose by five strokes for third place. Viterbo won the team race by five strokes over Augustana.

Berkland shot Simpson's best round of the tournament on Sunday, moving her into a tie for sixth place. She finished the weekend with a 185 after opening with a 96. 

Lydia Martin and Madison Hance each shot a 92 to lead the Storm on Saturday. Martin finished eighth after shooting a 94 Sunday while Hance slipped into a tie for 13th after finishing with a 98.

Haley Booton had Simpson's second-best round on Sunday, shooting a 92 to move into a tie for 10th place with a 188.

TEAM STANDINGS
1. Viterbo, 375-354--729
2. Augustana (Ill.), 366-368--734
3. Simpson, 376-366--742
4. St. Ambrose, 367-380--747
5. Carl Sandburg CC, 378-392--770
6. Clarke, 408-406--814

STORM SCORECARD
T6. Kelsa Berkland, 96-89--185
8. Lydia Martin, 92-94--186
T10. Haley Booton, 96-92--188
T13. Madison Hance, 92-98--190
T18. Courtney Mabeus, 102-91--193

UP NEXT
Simpson goes to Cedar Falls, Iowa for the first two rounds of the Iowa Conference Tournament next weekend. Play begins Friday, Sept. 30 from Pheasant Ridge Golf Club.