YANKTON, S.D. – On back-to-back days to begin the 2025-26 season, the mood within Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Golf has been one of celebration. One day after breaking the program record for lowest single round, the current Bulldogs ascended to the top of the school record board for best two-round tournament score. Senior Emery Custer and company finished the Mount Marty Invite (Aug. 28-29) at 320-339–659, eclipsing the former standard of 666, while placing in a tie for second place in Yankton, S.D.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s program has carried over momentum from the end of last season when Concordia put together its best performances at the GPAC Championships. The bar is now being raised at the outset of 2025-26.
“It’s a very exciting start to the season for us,” Muller said. “Yesterday we had a fantastic start to the round and then kind of struggled in the middle third of the course. We were able to bounce back and finish strong and shoot a school record. We knew this was going to be a tougher day and a tougher golf course. It’s very tree-lined and very tight. The rough is thick and the greens are small, firm and fast. It was a little bit tougher day and you saw that with everybody’s score across the entire field.
“To come out the first tournament of the year and set two school records is very exciting. I’m very proud of our freshmen for how they came in and competed in our top five right away.”
The team cumulative of 659 placed the Bulldogs in a tie with Doane for second place out of 14 groupings (10 total institutions). On an individual leaderboard including 74 golfers, Custer placed in a tie for third while recording the highest tournament finish of her collegiate career. Custer shot 72-82–154 (+10) and was just one stroke out of second. The even par 72 for Custer in round one represented a new 18-hole career low. The Broken Bow, Neb., native is a returning First Team All-GPAC honoree.
The remainder of Concordia’s ‘A’ team featured freshman Amelia Ptacnik (84-84–168; T-15th), senior Maddie Lewis (84-85–169; T-17th), sophomore Savannah McFalls (81-88–169; T-17th) and freshman Olivia James (83-92–175; T-30th). A Bennington High School alum, McFalls shot a career low of her own with her 81 on Thursday at Fox Run Golf Course. Action shifted to Hillcrest Country Club on day two.
The second grouping of Bulldogs shot 381-404–784 while paced by sophomore Audra Poffinbarger (89-96–185), who placed 43rd. Next in line were sophomore Makenzie Hughes (T-48th), junior Emma McCoy (53rd), freshman Brielle Cook (T-62nd) and junior Abigail Kollbaum (T-62nd).
The early returns are encouraging. During the 2024-25 season, Concordia averaged a score of 349.9. The Mount Marty Invite validated the belief the Bulldogs had this preseason that they were a team on the rise.
Said Muller, “Not everyone from the conference was here, but it’s exciting to be able to tie the defending champions from last year. Morningside played a great tournament these last two days. Our goals are pretty high for this season.”
Bulldogs at the Mount Marty Invite
A Team: 320-339–659 (+83)
T3. Emery Custer: 72-82–154
T15. Amelia Ptacnik: 84-84–168
T17. Maddie Lewis: 84-85–169
T17. Savannah McFalls: 81-88–169
T30. Olivia James: 83-92–175
B Team: 381-404–784 (+209)
43. Audra Poffinbarger: 89-96–185
T48. Makenzie Hughes: 91-99 – 190
53. Emma McCoy: 96-101–197
T62. Brielle Cook: 109-108–217
T62. Abigail Kollbaum: 105-112–217
Next on the schedule will be the Lila Frommelt Invite hosted by Briar Cliff on Sept. 8-9. On day one of the event, the Bulldogs will be at Green Valley Golf Course in Sioux City, Iowa.