Palm Desert, Calif. – Play concluded Friday at the 2026 NCAA Division III Women's Golf National Championship as Southern Virginia University women's golfer Sydney Richards finished tied for 27th place nationally.

Richards, a junior from Farmington, Utah, capped off a historic season by becoming the first golfer in program history to qualify for the NCAA Championship since Southern Virginia launched its NCAA women's golf program in 2017. Her performance throughout the season continued to elevate the Knights on both the regional and national stage.

Across 72 holes over four days, Richards posted a total score of 296 (+8), carding rounds of 71 (-1), 71 (-1), 76 (+4), and 78 (+6). She was one of just four golfers in the championship field to record an eagle and finished tied for 26th in birdies for the tournament with 10.

Richards closes the season as part of a landmark year for Southern Virginia women's golf, as the program continues to set new standards and build momentum for the future.

For continued coverage of Southern Virginia University golf, visit knightathletics.com or follow @knightwgolf on Instagram.