PALM HARBOR, Fla. – #6-ranked Dalton State delivered an impressive performance at The Invite at Innisbrook, capturing the team title with a commanding finish.
 
Over three rounds of play from September 29–30, the Lady Roadrunners posted a total score of +20, 872, outpacing a competitive field that included top programs from across the region.
 
Dalton State's consistency was the key to victory, as they maintained their lead through all three rounds on the South Course. Their final tally placed them nine strokes ahead of #7 SCAD Atlanta (+29, 881) and thirteen ahead of #3 SCAD Savannah (+33, 885), securing a decisive win.
 
The tournament featured 14 teams, including strong showings from #13 Indiana Wesleyan (+49, 901), #15 Coastal Georgia, and #17 Pikeville (+54, 906). The Lady Birds set the tone for the rest of the fall season.
 
ROUND 1
Dalton State came out strong in the opening round, setting the pace early. Jia Kataria led the charge with a stellar 7-under-par 65, placing her at the top of the individual leaderboard after Round 1. Sara Burger followed closely with a 6-under 66, giving DS two players inside the top five after the first 18 holes.
 
Supporting scores included Reese Day (+3), Ella Ahlqvist (+8), and Tyah James (+11), rounding out a team total that kept Dalton State in prime position heading into Round 2.
 
DS played four individuals with Tara Phipps and Delaney Ratchford carding 81 (+10), Elin Gullbrandsson 82 (+11), and Susana Calvar 83 (+12).
 
ROUND 2
The Roadrunners held their ground in Round 2, maintaining their lead despite tougher conditions. Sara Burger stayed steady with an even-par 71, keeping her at the top of the leaderboard at -6 overall. Jia Kataria faced some challenges but managed a 75 (+4), remaining inside the top 10 individually.
 
Ella Ahlqvist improved her rhythm, carding a 76 (+5), while Tyah James posted a 77 (+6). Reese Day posted an 84 as the final player in the lineup.
 
Individually, Calvar and Phipps improved with rounds of 78 (+7) and 80 (+9), respectively. Ratchford shot 83, with Gullbrandsson an 84.
 
ROUND 3
Dalton State closed out the tournament with a composed final round to secure the championship. Sara Burger capped off her dominant week with another even-par 71, finishing at -6 overall to claim individual medalist honors. Jia Kataria added a solid +1 (72) to finish at -2 overall, giving the Lady Roadrunners the top two finishers.
 
Ella Ahlqvist delivered her best round of the event with a +1 (72), while Reese Day (+5) and Tyah James (+6) rounded out the scoring.
Tara Phipps, Delaney Ratchford and Susana Calvar capped the tournament with their best rounds, with Phipps and Ratchford tagging 74 (+3) and Calver 77 (+6). Elin Gullbrandsson shot a fina round 84 (+13). The balanced effort across the lineup sealed Dalton State's victory and showcased the team's depth and resilience under pressure.
 
UP NEXT
#6 Dalton State will be on the course again on October 20-21 when they host the Roadrunner Women's Fall Invitational at Dalton Golf & Country Club.
 
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FIND NEWS AND FOLLOW THE BIRDS: News and updates from Dalton State's women's golf team is posted on dsroadrunners.com and on X (@DaltonStateGolf), Facebook (@DaltonStateGolf) and Instagram (daltonstategolf). Be sure to follow to keep pace with the Birds!
 
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