Courtenay’s Abigail Rigsby earned a spot in the NCAA Division II women’s golf championship after winning a playoff last week at a regional tournament in Wichita Falls, Texas.
A freshman at Oklahoma Christian University, Rigsby followed a disappointing opening round Monday with strong showings Tuesday and Wednesday. She earned the final individual spot in this week’s national championship in Findlay, Ohio while overcoming a bout with food poisoning on Wednesday.
After opening with an 83 on Monday, Rigsby posted the best score Tuesday in the 66-player field, a 1-under 71 that also was her career-best round. On Wednesday, despite her illness, she was one of just two players to shoot even-par or better on the 6,149-yard course. She finished the tournament at 10-over 226.
“The first round was rough but it was purely nerves,” Rigsby said by email. “I just tried to enjoy my last two rounds after the 83. The last round was tough to get through but I am glad I was able to make it through without having to withdraw. I am super excited about nationals.”
Rigsby is the second OC player in as many years to qualify for the Division II tournament as an individual. Audrey Meisch was the first.