Becerra-Diaz Makes History as First-Ever NJCAA DII Women's Golf National Champion
As she has all season, Iowa Central Women's Golf standout, Ivanna Becerra-Diaz excelled in the spotlight and wrote history as the first-ever NJCAA DII Women's Golf National Champion following a playoff hole victory on Friday (5/16) over Kamryn Johnson from Mott College.
"Wow! Once it got into a playoff, I knew she would handle her business," said Iowa Central Head Coach, Kris Graewin. "Ivanna loves match play and loves to compete. She is now forever stamped as the first NJCAA DII Women's Golf National Champion."
Held in Iowa for the first time, Becarra-Diaz led by as many as seven strokes at the NJCAA II Women's Golf Championship held at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone, Iowa. After rounds of 74, 73, 84, and, 78, she would finish 21-over and tied with Johnson after 72 holes of play before capturing the individual title on the first playoff hole.
"From day one, Ivanna and I talked about being an All-American. Halfway through the year, that changed to being a national champion," said Graewin. "She is now Iowa Central's first golf national champion and it couldn't be a better person. I couldn't be more proud of Ivanna and our team."
As a team, the Tritons would battle to a third-place finish behind Shelton State and Mesa. Olivia Eckert closed the tournament with a six-over, 78, her best round of the tournament for a ninth-place finish. Jenna Kramer finished in 40th and Brooklyn Backoff finished tied for 50thplace. The third-place finish is the highest finish at the national golf championships for any Iowa Central golf team.
"Everyone had an up and down day at some point through the week. I told each of our ladies that they played a critical role in our success," said Graewin. "This was a total team effort. Ivanna, Olivia, Jenna and Brooklyn will forever be remembered and I can't thank them enough for the joy and memories over their past two years as Tritons."
*Photo courtesy of Kirk Hardcastle/NJCAA