AMARILLO, Tex. – Making history as the first individual qualifier (in addition to the '08-'09 and '09-'10 teams, as well as Kalli Stanhope as an individual at the NCAA Championship Tournament) to represent the Montana State University Billings women's golf team at the NCAA Regional Tournament, sophomore
Orraya Tipasathien held her own against some of the top players in the West/South Central Region.
Competing in a field of 96 of the region's best, Tipasathien tied her 54-hole personal best with a total score of 230 (78-73-79), finishing in a tie for 55th place. Her performance included five birdies and 31 pars, which ranked her 34th overall in total pars. She averaged 5.00 strokes on par fives (49th), 4.36 on par fours (57th), and 3.42 on par threes (69th).
HEAR FROM TIPASATHIEN: "It was a great experience to be at the NCAA Tournament playing against new competitors – some of which are among the best in the country. I'm excited to have two more attempts at it in my career and hoping we can make it as a team next year."
Held at the 5,856-yard, par-71 La Paloma Golf Course in Amarillo, Texas, the NCAA West Region Tournament featured 18 teams and 96 players, all vying for a coveted spot at Nationals. Challenging weather conditions, including rain delays, added an extra layer of difficulty at the NCAA Regional.
HEAR FROM COACH BUIE: "Where do I begin? Jan has had a phenomenal season and has already broken numerous school records. I know she's a little disappointed with the 79 in the final round, but this was her first attempt at a national level, and she still has two years left. The west region is one of the strongest in the nation and she went toe to toe with a lot of great players. She ended up tying the GNAC Player of the Year and finished ahead of several top 100 players. It's exciting for us to be able to build around her already incredible talent for the next two years. Our goal is to get the team to the NCAA Tournament next year with the great talent we have to be in the mix."
In the first round, Tipasathien battled through thunderstorms to post a 78 – the eighth-best score of the day – placing her inside the top 30. She opened strong with a birdie and four pars on the front nine, shooting a 38, and followed up with another birdie and four pars on the back to close the round.
After the second day was washed out by rain, players were tasked with 36 holes on day three. Tipasathien rose to the challenge, carding a 73 – the seventh-best round of the morning – thanks to three birdies and 10 pars. She shot 37 on the front and an even-par 36 on the back.
In the final round, Tipasathien continued her solid play, recording seven pars and just two bogeys on the front nine for a 37. Despite a bogey and double bogey early on the back nine, she recovered with five pars in her last seven holes to finish with a 42 on the back and 79 overall.
UP NEXT: That wraps up the 2024-25 season for the Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket women's golf team. Thank you to all of our athletes, coaches, staff, and fans for being a part of one the best seasons in program history.
NCAA West Region Championships
Results – May 7, 2025
La Paloma Golf Course – Amarillo, TX
Team – 1. DBU, 881 (308-286-287). Individuals – 1. Anna Nomrowski, West Texas A&M 216 (77-70-69); 1. Brecklyn Flanagan, Midwestern State 216 (76-74-66); T55.
Orraya Tipasathien, MSU Billings 230 (78-73-79).
