KIRKWOOD, Mo. (April 19, 2022) – Senior Lorenza Martinez fired one of the top individual rounds of the day to secure a top-five finish as the Loyola University Chicago women's golf brought its 2021-22 season to an end this afternoon at the Missouri Valley Conference Women's Golf Championship in Kirkwood, Mo.
 
Led by Martinez's effort, Loyola posted a final-round 317, its top 18-hole team total of the last three days at the Greenbriar Country Club (par 71; 5,830 yards), to finish the 54-hole event in eighth place at 957 (321-319-317). 
 
Illinois State (309-295-307=911) held off a final day charge by Missouri State (308-303-301=912) to take home The Valley title and the league's automatic bid to NCAA Regionals, while Drake's Kristen Giles carded a three-over-par 74 to claim the individual crown with a 225 (76-75-74).
 
"It's hard to believe that we just finished our first full season since 2018-19," Loyola head women's golf coach Carly Werwie said.  "Our play this week wasn't our best and we put ourselves in a tough spot after the first round.  We improved in the second round, which was good to see, but fell a little short with a few high numbers on some holes.  Throughout the week, we had a tougher time having a solid third and fourth score.  Even though it's disappointing to not finish how we planned, we have a really young team and the experience we gained this year will absolutely help us going forward.  This is the best team we've had in program history and I know we will continue to rise and be successful."
 
Coming off a strong showing in Monday's second round, Martinez looked to pick up right where she left off.  The Menomonee Falls, Wis. product recorded a pair of birdies as part of an impressive two-over-par 73, an effort that saw her earn a share of fourth place and a spot on the MVC All-Tournament Team with a 228 (80-75-73).  Martinez's finish matches the best individual finish by a Rambler at an MVC Championship in program history.
 
Sophomore Abby Thielbar capped off a terrific second campaign with the Maroon & Gold by becoming just the third Rambler to earn All-MVC distinction.  Out of Zionsville, Ind., Thielbar carded a 78 to finish tied for 26^th with a 241 (85-78-78).  Finishing alongside in her 26^th was junior Caroline Dayton (78-85-79), who turned in a 79.
 
Freshman Jolie Brochu wrapped up her debut season in Rogers Park by tying for 38^th with a 248 (78-83-87) following an 87 today, while sophomore Kate Meier shot a 90 to finish 49^th at 173 (83-90).
 
"Lorenza played so well the last two rounds," Werwie continued.  "I'm really proud of how she finished the season.  She's put in a lot of great work and to see the results is so exciting.  Having Abby earn All-MVC honors was a fun finish to the season for her too.  She's done a great job improving her game this year.  Everyone with us this week is returning next year and we'll use this experience to continue with improvements that will make us even better!"
 
Werwie is slated to welcome back eight letterwinners when the Ramblers open their 2022-23 season.  That group, which includes the team's top five leaders in stroke average, will be joined by incoming freshman Adie Maki.