The dominance of the DU women’s golf team’s season continued this past week in Muscle Shoals, Ala. as DU captured its fifth consecutive Sun Belt Conference title by 42 shots over second-place Arkansas Little-Rock.

Five seemed to be the lucky number for the Pioneers as not only was it their fifth consecutive title but also their fifth tournament victory of the season and all five golfers finished in the top-ten.

“Every championship has been a little bit different for us. This year is definitely special setting the Sun Belt record of five consecutive championships and winning by 42 shots,” said Head Coach Sammie Chergo.

Denver led from start to finish with a 17-shot lead over South Alabama, Middle Tennessee and Florida International after day one.

DU then increased its lead to 22-shots over second place South Alabama after day two and then finished the tournament the way DU started, with an even-par 288 to win by 42 shots.

For the second consecutive season sophomore Stephanie Sherlock claimed the individual SBC title, which is also her fifth career collegiate title. Sherlock started the tournament with a two-under par 70 and then had a little hiccup and shot a one-over par 73 in the second round before absolutely torching the field with a seven-under par 65 in the final round. Sherlock finished with a new conference and personal best 54-hole score of 208 for a 10-shot victory over Paula Hurtado of Florida International.

“I am really happy for Steph. She dominated the field and closed with a bogey free seven-under 65. Outstanding performance in the last round,” said Chergo.

Junior Katie Kempter finished in a tie for fourth with a three-round score of 4 over par 220. Kempter shot an opening round 70 before struggling with a second round 78 and then finishing strong with a 72. Senior transfer Chelsea Benton fired a 7 over par 223 good for a seventh place finish while junior Dawn Shockley and freshman Ellie Givens who recorded an 11 over par 227 to finish in a tie for 11th.

DU becomes the first team in SBC history to win five straight titles breaking Lamar’s (who is no longer in the conference) streak of four in a row which they did from 1993 to 1996.

The Pioneers found out yesterday that they are headed to the NCAAA central regional in Austin, Texas on May 8-10 where they will be the No. 4 seed. DU will look to make their second-straight trip to the NCAA Championship.

“We will continue to prepare the way we have all season by working hard and getting better everyday,” said Chergo.