AUGUSTA, Mich. -- Competing in just her fourth collegiate tournament, freshman Maisarah Hezri (Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia) of the Wayne State University women's golf team claimed individual medalist honors for the stroke play portion of the 2023 GLIAC Championships.

Hezri carded an eight-under 136 (71-65) and did so with a new program record for both 18 holes (by three strokes) and 36 holes (by nine strokes). Prior to Friday, the Warriors' highest finisher for the event was a tie for seventh in 2019 (Brooke Busse) and 2022 (Grace Zimmerman).

Not to be overshadowed was Wayne State placing first in the seven-squad field, its highest-ever team finish in the event. That means a date with fourth-place Saginaw Valley State in the Medal Match Play Championship semifinals on Saturday at 10 a.m. WSU has now qualified for the match play portion all four years it's been held (2020 was canceled due to COVID).

"Today was a big day for our program," said head coach, Larry Hamilton. "This event isn't over yet, but I am so proud of their commitment and the hard work they've put in this season. It certainly showed today as we broke multiple records. Really, really proud of this special group!"

Friday, the Warriors shot a 10-under 566 (287-279), a new program low for 18 (by 14 shots) and season best for 36 (by 43 shots). Wayne State improved its score by eight strokes in the second round, two strokes better than the next-best team in that department (Grand Valley State).

Hezri was joined in the top 10 by a trio of Warriors including Beca Vestman (Madrid, Spain / Colegio Base) in third with a four-under 140 (72-68), Sabel Imesch (Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. / Grosse Pointe South) in a tie for fifth with a one-under 143 (73-70) and Avery Howard (Muskegon, Mich. / Reeths-Puffer) in ninth with a three-over 147 (71-76). Also competing for Wayne State was Orianna Bylsma (Montague, Mich. / Montague) in 32nd with a 23-over 167 (87-80).