KIRKWOOD, Mo. – Kristen Giles of the Drake University women's golf team jumped four spots in the last 18 holes to claim medalist honors at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship at Greenbriar Hills Country Club (Par 71, 5830 yards) on Tuesday (April 19). Giles recorded a team-low 74 in the final round (76-75-74-225) en route to her first-ever first place finish ending the tournament at 225 (+12). She became the second Bulldog women's golfer to win the MVC Championship individual title. 
 
"Kristen (Giles) kind of knew where she was at (on the leaderboard) but not really," head coach Steve Smith said. "I was trying to make sure she stayed calm towards the end. I couldn't be prouder of how she finished it out."
 
Drake finished third (309-316-310-935) for its best team finish since 2010. Illinois State took the MVC Championship title (309-295 307-911).
 
Senior Haeri Lee, who earned All-MVC honors, played her best round shooting four over (75) on the day (79-79-75-233). Lee sank a team-high three birdies to end up 15th on the leaderboard at +20. 
 
Aayushi Sarkar (75-79-77-231) ended her tournament in a tie for 10th place at +18. Sam Paulak (79-83-86) and Abby Marting (83-83-84-250) rounded out the Bulldog lineup.
 
"I am so proud of all of the kids for competing every hole and staying in the moment," Smith said. "It was a lot of fun. Sam (Paulak) and Haeri (Lee) were unbelievable leaders throughout the year. They helped me a lot throughout the year. I want to thank the team for being so welcoming this season."