By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Rain and wind challenged golfers at the NCAA Division II West Super Regional where Sonoma State’s women finished shy of qualifying for the national championships, but ace Spencer Heller moved on Tuesday.

Sonoma State fell one spot in the final round to finish fifth in the nine-team field at Tiara Rado Golf Course, in Grand Junction, Colo. The top three teams — St. Edwards, Grand Canyon and Tarleton State — advanced to the women’s national championships.

Also playing next week in Daytona Beach, Fla., will be Heller, one of three individuals moving on from teams that didn’t qualify for nationals. The championships are May 15-18 at the LPGA International course.

Heller tied for medalist honors at the super regional with Charlotte Jaengkit, of Grand Canyon. The senior from Turlock shot her best round of the tournament Tuesday to finish in the tie for low score over the three rounds.

Reaching the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships for the fourth time in as many seasons, Heller has a shot at the national title. Heller finished eighth a year ago, 15th as a sophomore and tenth as a freshman.

The Sonoma State team was in position to join Heller. But despite solid play, and having to wait during a lengthy rain delay, the Seawolves lost ground in the third round.

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