MAYETTA, Kan. – The University of South Dakota Women's Golf team will take the course this week for the 2024 Summit League Women's Golf Championship.  The event will feature three rounds in three days and will take place at the Firekeeper Golf Course in Mayetta, Kansas. 
 
South Dakota managed their best finish in team history at the Summit League Championships last season, finishing in second place behind league champion Denver.  It was an impressive showing for USD who had three finishers in the top ten and were in the running for the team title until late in third round.  
 
This year's lineup will look different, as last year's team had three seniors.  One familiar face, however, will be Catie Nekola.  The sophomore finished the competition tied for seventh last year.  Sophomore Emma Henningsson will also be competing at the Summit League Championship for the second time.  She finished tied for 16^th a year ago.
 
USD will round out its lineup with three freshmen.  Ella Greenberg, Ava Schroeder and Lara Gehring all had their ups and downs in their first collegiate seasons.  But all have the potential to be special.  Look for the freshmen to make their mark in their first Summit League Championship.  Sophomore Alexa Wingnean will serve as the alternate.  
 
South Dakota has been named the 6-seed in this year's competition.  They'll tee off between 9:50 and 10:30am on Sunday for round one.  Subsequent tee times will be based on team performance.  The tournament will feature all eight Summit League women's golf programs (Kansas City does not sponsor women's golf).  Defending champion Denver has been named the top seed, followed by Oral Roberts, St.  Thomas, NDSU, SDSU, South Dakota, Omaha and North Dakota.  
 
The Championship will be hosted by the Firekeeper Golf Course for the first time.  Firekeeper is a par 72 course that has hosted a number of professional tournaments and amateur events.  It was designed by 4-time PGA Tour winner Notah Begay III and Jeff Brauer.  The first round will tee off Sunday, while rounds two and three will start Monday and Tuesday. 
 
Live stats for the event can be found here.  Follow on @SDCoyotesWGolf  Twitter/X for updates throughout the tournament.