Idaho’s Skidmore wins Big West tourney

RANCHO MARGARITA, Calif. – University of Idaho freshman Renee Skidmore shot a final-round 75 on Tuesday to earn medalist honors in the Big West Conference women’s golf tournament at Tijeras Creek Golf Club.

Skidmore, a first-team all-conference selection, shot a 69 Monday morning, a 70 Monday afternoon and finished at 2-under-par 214.

“I could feel myself getting nervous,” Skidmore said. “I tell myself it’s just another round of golf. I had to keep calming myself down.”

Skidmore outdistanced runner-up Selanee’ Henderson of UC Irvine by five strokes.

Skidmore’s efforts helped the Vandals (924) place third, 20 shots behind winner UC Irvine and 10 behind runner-up Long Beach State.

All five Vandals finished in the top 20. Kelly Nakashima (235) placed 11th, Jill Phillips (237) placed 14th, Cassie Castleman (239), another first-team all-conference selection, tied for 15th and Jennifer Tucker (247) tied for 20th.

The Vandals find out Monday if they qualify for the NCAA Regionals, either as a team or individually.