By: Jack Dunn ~Staff Writer~

After beating out three-time defending champion Seton Hall in the Big East Women’s Golf Championship on April 23, the Xavier women’s golf team finished fourth in the Big East.

Before the tournament started, freshman Mikayla Fitzpatrick was named to the All-Big East first team. She has finished in the top-25 five times, including a tie for eighth at the Rio Verde Invitational. She was the only freshman named to the All-Big East first team.

“It was a great accomplishment to add to my resume and an honor to be named to the team,” Fitzpatrick said.

Despite not having the start the team had hoped for on April 21, sophomore Mikayla Smith was able to tie for the 10th spot on the day with a score of +5. The Musketeers ended the first day with a combined score of 31 (+28 over par) and tied for fifth.

The Musketeers had a stronger showing on day two of the championships. Smith continued to play well on the par 5s, while Fitzpatrick shot a 76 (+4) with four back-nine birdies. Smith fell out of the top 10, but Fitzpatrick was able to move up from a tie for 21st to 15th. Redshirt junior Grace Howie was also in the top 20 with a tie for 18th. The team still remained in fifth place with the same score of 316 (+28).

Xavier had a great finish on the final day of the Big East Championships, with two Musketeers finishing in the top 10 and senior Rachel Johnson recording a season-low of 72 even. She led the Musketeers in the tournament with 34 pars and had a pair of birdies on the last day. Fitzpatrick was able to finish the final round with a 73 (+1), which nudged her into the top 10. She also led the Musketeers with eight birdies. Smith was also able to finish inside the top 10 with a 75, after a strong performance on the par fives. The Musketeers were able to claim fifth place over the Seton Hall Pirates with a score of 301.