NEWTON, KAN. -- The Missouri State women's golf team won the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in commanding fashion. The Bears became back-to-back champions for the first time in program history after shooting 305-295-287--887 over three days in Newton, Kan., at the Sand Creek Station golf course.  
 
The Bears took a 14 stroke lead over second place Northern Iowa (901) sealing the deal, after tying the single round program record over the final 18 (287).
 
Pacing MSU all three days, Rachel Johnson claimed the outright individual title, firing off 75-73-67—215. The 67 established a school single-round record for MSU and tied a conference record for lowest 18-hole score. Johnson finished ahead of Bradley's Frankie Saban by four strokes, tallying seven birdies on the course were a team best on the final day of competition.
 
Third place was handily taken by Senior Stine Pettersen after a 70 stroke round two resulted in a 17 spot jump from 20th to 3rd. Pettersen finished with 79-70-71--220, one stroke behind second.
 
Ashley Childers tied for sixth, carding 76-77-72--225. Verena Gimmy shot 75-75-77--227 to remain a consistent threat on the course all three days, finishing tied for 10th. Bridget Schulte wrapped up the Bears lineup finishing tied for 45th with 87-82-78--247.
 
Missouri State will be making the trip back to Springfield with more awards in addition to the team and individual championship. Gimmy, Pettersen and Johnson all take All-Conference honors, while Gimmy earns MVC Golfer of the Year. Head coach Kevin Kane adds Coach of the Year to his resume, while Childers earns Elite 17 status.
 
The Bears will compete at the NCAA Regionals in three weeks starting on May 7th.