NAPERVILLE — Spring golf competition is underway across the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin, with several women’s programs opening the 2026 spring season at events in warmer-weather locations. Conference teams and student-athletes turned in a number of notable performances during March, including team titles, individual championships and historically significant rounds. As the schedule shifts further into April, multiple CCIW programs are set for a busy stretch of competition.
 
Titans Shine in the Desert
Illinois Wesleyan began its spring schedule at the Westbrook Invitational in Peoria, Ariz. on March 7-8, where the Titans placed seventh in a nine-team field with a score of 623. The team then returned to Arizona for the SMSU Spring Invitational in Litchfield Park on March 16-17 and posted a two-round total of 603. Illinois Wesleyan entered the final round one shot behind Nebraska Kearney before recording a 304 in the second round to finish tied for first and claim the team title by tiebreaker. 
 
The result marked the program’s third team title of the 2025-26 season. Earlier this spring, Illinois Wesleyan was ranked No. 23 in Division III in the Women’s Golf Coaches Association Mizuno Coaches Poll.
 
Zera’s Strong Stretch
Sophomore Gigi Zera has been a central contributor to Illinois Wesleyan’s recent success. She was named the CCIW Women’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Week after winning the SMSU Spring Invitational with a 36-hole score of 145 (+5). Her performance included an even-par 70 in the opening round, which marked a career low and featured three birdies, before she closed with a 75 to secure the first tournament victory of her career. 
 
Earlier in the month, Zera tied for 10th at the Westbrook Invitational with rounds of 76 and 72. A Glenview, Ill. native, she has now earned the conference’s weekly honor three times this season, including twice during the fall.
 
Sub-70 Success in Missouri
Illinois Wesleyan continued its spring schedule at the WashU Spring Invite last Sunday and Monday, where the Titans finished second in a 15-team field. Junior Nora Cerroni recorded a career-best three-under-par 69 in the opening round at Crown Pointe Golf Course, becoming the fifth player in program history to break 70. Cerroni used a four-under 32 on the back nine to reach that mark and helped Illinois Wesleyan carry a two-shot lead over host WashU into the final round. The Bears ultimately won the team title with a score of 588, while the Titans finished second at 607. 
 
Emily Gastrau and Grace Fagan also turned in notable performances during the event, with Gastrau sitting in the top five after an opening-round 75 and Fagan tying for ninth after shooting 76 in round one.
 
Manteufel Masters the Bluegrass
Carthage opened its spring campaign at the Klash in Kentucky and finished second in the three-team event with rounds of 342 and 348 for a total of 690. Lexi Manteufel led the field individually, winning the tournament with a two-round score of 155 (+11). Ro Longden added a ninth-place finish for the Firebirds with a 177, while Mae Norman and Maddie Midgett tied for 10th at 179. 
 
Carthage’s additional team entries were led by Nina Mayfield and Emily Tralewski, who tied for 12th at 183, while Lauren Howe and Steda Lundak tied for 15th at 190. Manteufel’s finish added to an already strong season that previously included conference Student-Athlete of the Week recognition.
 
Cardinal Coastal Command
North Central opened its spring schedule on March 9-10 at the Port City Classic in Savannah, Ga., where the Cardinals finished seventh in a 16-team field with a score of 690. Junior Madison Place led the team with a ninth-place finish after rounds of 77 and 83 for a total of 160. Caterina Calabria followed in 36th place at 173, while Anna Meinhart placed 42nd at 176. 
 
NCC later competed at the WashU Spring Invite and placed 13th in the 15-team field. Meinhart led the Cardinals in that event with a 43rd-place finish, while Mallorie Clifton and Calabria shared 48th place.
 
Battling the Breezes in Farmington
Millikin also competed at the WashU Spring Invite and tied for 10th with a team score of 664. The Big Blue improved from 333 in the first round to 331 in the second despite difficult weather conditions that included sustained winds of 20 miles per hour and gusts above 30. Junior Ava Hackman paced Millikin with rounds of 79 and 79 to finish 23rd in an 82-player field. Sophomore Zoey Beard followed with an 80 in the final round to move into a tie for 36th. 
 
Carroll, meanwhile, played a dual match against Lake Forest in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and posted a team score of 372. Transfer Scarlett Lindgren led the Pioneers with a fourth-place finish after shooting 88, while Tessa Lawson recorded a 91 and Emily Broki added a 93.
 
The Upcoming Schedule and Beyond
Several conference teams are scheduled for upcoming events as the spring season continues. Carthage, Elmhurst, North Park, Wheaton and Carroll are all scheduled to compete at the Judson Spring Invitational next Tuesday. 
 
Later in the month, Illinois Wesleyan, Millikin, North Central and Augustana are scheduled to take part in the Kathy Niepagen Spring Fling at Ironwood Golf Course next Saturday and Sunday. Millikin will also host the Spring Shootout on Wednesday, April 22, at The Rail Golf Course in Springfield. 
 
Illinois Wesleyan is also positioned to pursue postseason competition at the NCAA Division III Championships, which are scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 19, in Palm Desert, Calif.