CATOOSA – Northeastern State led for half the day but faltered late to finish runner-up at its 23rd Women's Golf Classic Tuesday at the Cherokee Hills Golf Club. 

The RiverHawks were stuck in a fight with UA-Fort Smith, who pulled even with NSU.  By the turn to the back nine, NSU pulled back ahead by a pair of strokes.  Fort Smith caught fire as the round concluded, shooting a one-under in the final nine holes. 

Fort Smith won the tournament by ten strokes in its season debut, shooting a 591 (299-292).  Northeastern State would card a 304 on the day and were 11-strokes over par in the final nine holes.

Aitana Hernandez was the individual leader at one part of the round but finished one stroke back of medalist, tied for second place with 145 (72-73).  The top-five finish is the tenth in her career that spans 39 entered tournaments. 

Nina Lee is NSU's second-highest finisher, tied for 13th overall with a 150 (76-74), and Yasmin Hang was tied for 23rd place, carding a 155 (78-77).

Playing as an individual, Kelly Swanson placed tied for 15th overall, shooting a 152 (73-79).

The RiverHawks will have a week off before heading to Hays, Kan., on Sept. 26. 

Northeastern State      297    304      601       +41      2nd
Aitana Hernandez      72    73      145       +5      t-2nd
Nina Lee              76    74      150       +10      t-13th
Yasmin Hang      78    77      155       +15      t-23rd
Hanna Lignell      71    88      159       +19      t-33rd
Sam Maceli          87    80      167       +27      t-53rd
Kelly Swanson #      73    79      152       +12      t-15th
Nicole Anderson #      77    86      163       +23      t-45th
# individual