Demon Deacons Fall in Third Round at NCAA Championships, Pate in Playoff for Individual Spot

The playoff began following the completion of the third round, but was postponed due to lack of daylight. 

Wake Forest totaled 43 birdies across three days of competition, seventh among the field. The Demon Deacons, however, were unable to push through the field on the final day and narrowly missed the 12-over-par cutline. 

The Deacs came out strong in the afternoon, carding eight birdies through the first nine holes, with senior Anne-Sterre den Dunnen and freshman Cartoon Rujiranan remaining under par before the turn. Both recorded their low rounds of the competition on day three. 

Junior Macy Pate and graduate student Morgan Ketchum each turned in clean front nines, with Ketchum tallying consecutive birdies on holes 3 and 4. Pate completed the day at even par, putting herself in a playoff for the final individual spot. 

Sophomore Chloe Kovelesky bounced back from a tough back nine with three birdies and an under par time after the turn. Ketchum and den Dunnen combined for the most birdies of the Deacs, at 10 a piece. 

Coaches Comments

“Obviously not how we hoped things would end, but I’m extremely proud of how this group continued to fight. We had another wonderful year, and a fantastic fall. I’m grateful for our seniors and all of the hard work they’ve put into this program. We look forward to being back next year.” Tony and Vi Golding Head Coach Kim Lewellen 

2025-26 Season Highlights

• Reached 60 program wins, while Tony and Vi Golding Head Coach and Lyons Family Associate Head Coach Ryan Potter achieved 30 wins as a coaching duo.
  

  • Captured back-to-back wins at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate and the Jackson T. Stephens Cup.
    

    • Handed No. 1 Stanford their lone stroke play loss and one of two match play losses at the Stephens Cup.

  • Earned their spot at the 2026 NCAA Championships by claiming the NCAA Tallahassee Regional at 8-under-par.

    • Carded their season low 18-hole score during round three, at 10-under (278).

• As a team, earned a combined four individual wins, nine top-5 placements, and 17 top-10 finishes. The group totaled 23 individual rounds in…