WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University women's golfer Dannah Smith captured a state championship this week, teaming with longtime friend Jane Fanning to win the eighth New York State Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship at Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Representing Orchard Creek Golf Club, Smith and Fanning posted a two-round score of 5-over-par 149 to secure a two-shot victory in the 36-hole championship. The pair entered the final round tied for the lead after opening with an even-par 72 before rallying on the back nine Tuesday to claim the title.

After finding themselves four shots behind during the final round, Smith and Fanning remained composed and steadily chipped away at the deficit. The duo played their final nine holes in 1-under par, including a birdie on the par-4 13th, to move into the lead before ultimately pulling away for the championship.

"The feeling – it's really amazing," Smith said following the victory. "We have played together since we were young, so to have this be our first big win together is really exciting."
 

The championship marks the first New York State Women's Amateur Four-Ball title for Smith and Fanning, who grew up competing together in junior golf before continuing their careers at the collegiate level. Fanning competes at Kenyon College, while Smith recently completed her sophomore season at Monmouth.

The longtime playing partners leaned on their familiarity with one another throughout the event, particularly during a challenging start to Tuesday's final round.

"We weren't super upset [with how the first nine holes went on day two]," Smith said. "We just told ourselves that it was a new nine, and let's turn it around and get it done."

Smith's victory adds another accomplishment to her growing golf résumé. The Schenectady, N.Y., native has appeared in 36 career rounds for the Hawks and owns an 84.5 scoring average through her first two collegiate seasons.

Leatherstocking Golf Course, located on the shores of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, hosted the championship's eight-team field. Smith and Fanning finished atop the leaderboard at 149, two shots clear of Lauren Cupp and Pennie Carlo.

***********
To follow along with everything Hawks Athletics follow @muhawks on Instagram and @MonmouthHawks on X and Facebook. Follow Monmouth Women's Golf @monmouthwgolf on Instagram and Facebook and @MonmouthGolf on X.