HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — The University of North Dakota women’s golf team launched its spring season with a solid performance at the El Campeon Collegiate, concluding play on Tuesday with a sixth-place team finish. Leading the charge for the Fighting Hawks were Gigi Lund and Mallory Uselman, who both secured a tie for 12th place individually. The tournament, hosted by Lehigh at the Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, saw North Dakota State University claim the team title with a score of 943.
Lund, a sophomore, continued her impressive collegiate career, carding rounds of 79, 81, and 83 for a 54-hole total of 243. This result marks the ninth top-20 finish of her UND career, demonstrating consistent performance. Uselman matched Lund’s total of 243, achieving the highest finish of her Fighting Hawks career with scores of 78, 87, and a strong closing round of 78. The El Campeon Collegiate featured competition from a diverse field including Bellarmine University, Bucknell University, and the U.S. Naval Academy, as detailed on the tournament participant list.
Freshman Sophie Cook likewise contributed to the team’s success, finishing tied for 28th with a three-round score of 250. Emersyn Walker tied for 42nd with a 261, and Kate McComb rounded out the UND lineup in a tie for 50th at 271. The Fighting Hawks finished with a cumulative team score of 993. Longwood University finished second with a score of 947, and Bucknell University took third place with 971, according to tournament results.
Lund and Uselman Lead the Way
Gigi Lund’s consistent play has been a cornerstone of the North Dakota women’s golf program. According to her University of North Dakota Athletics profile, Lund has shown steady improvement, shaving nearly two strokes off her average score in recent competitions. Uselman’s career-best finish at the El Campeon Collegiate highlights her growth and potential within the team. Her strong closing round of 78 was particularly noteworthy.
Team Performance and Future Outlook
North Dakota State’s victory at the El Campeon Collegiate underscores the competitive landscape of NCAA Division I women’s golf. The tournament, which took place from February 23-24, 2026, provided a valuable early-season test for the Fighting Hawks. The team’s sixth-place finish demonstrates a solid foundation for continued success as the spring season progresses. The North Dakota State news release confirms their team title win.
The Fighting Hawks will continue their season at the Chris Banister Golf Classic, hosted by Jacksonville State, in Glencoe, Alabama, on March 8. Fans can follow the team’s progress on social media at @UNDwgolf or visit the official FightingHawks.com website for more information.
The team’s performance at the El Campeon Collegiate sets a positive tone for the remainder of the spring season, and the upcoming Chris Banister Golf Classic provides another opportunity to build momentum and refine their game. The Fighting Hawks will glance to continue their upward trajectory as they navigate a challenging schedule.