The University of Denver women’s golf team finished in 11th place at its third consecutive appearance at the NCAA West Regional in California and finished only two strokes short of its first-ever berth in the NCAA National Championships.

The Pioneers earned an automatic position in the Regional by winning the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Championships.

Last season, Denver tied for 16th in the 2003 West Regional hosted by Arizona State. Since the program began in 1998, this has been Denver’s best season so far.

This season saw the women capture two tournament titles, which includes its first-ever Sun Belt Conference title.

The Pioneers finished in 19th in 2002 at the West Regional on the same course that hosted this year’s competition, edging the hosts by one stroke.

The Pioneer, featured on last week’s edition of College Central on the Golf Channel, shot a final-round 26 over par 314 in the 54-hole tournament.

Their 51 over par total of 915 was only two strokes away from placing them a sudden-death playoff with Oregon, Washington State, and Texas for the last qualifying spot.

Texas received the honor of taking the final spot in the playoff.

Freshman Emily Hoeper finished in a four-way tie for 21th at seven-over par 223, shadowing her excellent first season as a Pioneer. Hoeper shot rounds of 73, 75 and 75.

She finished 14 strokes behind medalist Hannah Jun of UCLA, who won with a seven-under par 209.

Placing next for the Pioneers was Alyssa Otero, who is also a freshman. She shot a seven-over par 79, leaving her tied for 41st at 228.

Junior Kate Waggoner was next in a tie for 57th at 17-over par 233 and junior Jennie Peek followed her in a tie for 76th at 21-over par 237.

Next season, Denver will return four of the five players who played in the NCAA West Regional.