Shelton State Claims NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf Title, Iowa Central’s Becerra-Diaz Makes History

A historic weekend at Cedar Pointe Golf Course ended with Shelton State Community College celebrating its first NJCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship and Iowa Central’s Ivanna Becerra-Diaz etching her name in the record books as the division’s first individual national champion.

Shelton State dominated the field from the opening round, holding and expanding their lead over each day of the four-round event. Fueled by consistent performances from their lineup, the Lady Bucs finished 34 strokes ahead of their nearest competitors, delivering a commanding team victory in the inaugural NJCAA Division II national championship. Their triumph marks the 16th national title in school history, joining past wins in men’s golf and competitive cheer.

Led by ACCC Golfer of the Year Peyton Maraman and standout performances from Katie Hallmark, Ashlee Allen, Sawyer Hobbs, and Jordan Ransdell, Shelton State set the pace early with a six-stroke lead over Mesa Community College after round one. Their second-round team score of 304 was the lowest of their spring season, effectively putting the competition out of reach. Despite wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph in the final two rounds, the Lady Bucs held firm to secure the win, with all five players earning All-Tournament Team honors.

While Shelton State celebrated a dominant team victory, the spotlight also shone on Iowa Central’s Ivanna Becerra-Diaz, who made NJCAA history in her own right. Becerra-Diaz became the first-ever individual national champion in NJCAA Division II women’s golf after winning a playoff against Mott’s Kamryn Johnston. Finishing tied at 21-over after 72 holes, Becerra-Diaz secured the title on the 73rd hole, delivering a clutch performance to clinch the crown.

Her consistent play included six birdies and a critical 1-over round on Wednesday that moved her to the top of the leaderboard. In the final round of regulation, Becerra-Diaz recorded one birdie and 11 pars, holding her position and eventually outlast her closest rival in the playoff.

Iowa Central’s team placed third overall, the highest national finish in program history. Teammate Olivia Eckert joined Becerra-Diaz in the top ten, tying for ninth after a strong final round. Jenna Kramer and Brooklyn Backoff rounded out the lineup, finishing tied for 40th and 50th respectively.