FLORENCE, Ind. — The IU Kokomo women's golf team closed its fall season in impressive fashion at the Battle at Belterra, capturing the team championship by 33 strokes while Chloe McFaddin earned medalist honors for the first time in her collegiate career.
The Cougars posted rounds of 335 and 334 for a two-day total of 669 (+93), finishing comfortably ahead of runner-up Hanover College. IU Kokomo's consistent play across both rounds secured another tournament title to cap off a successful fall campaign.
The victory came at a familiar venue for head coach Brandi Jones, as Belterra Resort previously hosted the River States Conference Fall Preview and RSC Championships. Jones enjoyed considerable success on the course during her own playing career at IU Kokomo, bringing an added layer of familiarity to the Cougars' return to Belterra.
McFaddin led the way with rounds of 78 and 80 to finish at 158 (+14), earning a two-stroke victory over Hanover's Cassidy Clark. The individual title marked the first collegiate tournament victory for McFaddin.
Hailey Stegemann joined McFaddin near the top of the leaderboard, finishing fourth overall with rounds of 83 and 81 for a 164 (+20). Stegemann improved by two strokes in the final round to secure her top-five finish.
Stefanie Dickerson, competing as an individual, also earned a top-10 result, placing seventh with a two-day total of 168 (+24). Dickerson opened with an 80 before carding an 88 in the final round.
Kinleigh Root tied for ninth at 174 (+30) after rounds of 86 and 88, giving IU Kokomo four golfers inside the top 10.
Noelle Hutchings and Layla Stearns also represented IU Kokomo, tying for 12th place with identical totals of 176 (+32). Hutchings showed significant improvement between rounds, following a 91 with an 85, while Stearns posted consecutive rounds of 88.
All six Cougars competing at the Battle at Belterra finished inside the top 12 of the 38-player field, with four placing among the top 10. The collective effort highlighted IU Kokomo's depth as the Cougars closed their fall season with a commanding team victory.
"The team did a really great job of battling difficult course conditions and staying in it both rounds to come through with a victory," head coach Brandi Jones said. "Chloe had her first collegiate win, and I have no doubt she'll have more to come. She's played well all season, and we were all glad to see this breakthrough. Hailey and Stefanie played solid as well, with Hailey making All-Tournament Team and Stefanie and Kinleigh finishing inside the top 10."
The tournament championship marked a fitting conclusion to the Cougars' fall schedule, with IU Kokomo taking momentum from its latest victory into the offseason before returning to competition in the spring.
IU Kokomo Individual Results
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