MADISON, Wis. – The Washington State women’s golf team opened its 2026-27 season, Sunday, with the first round of the Badger Invitational at the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin. The Cougars sit tied for sixth in the 16-team field, just one stroke behind the hosting Badgers. Sophomore Kaitlyn Helm led WSU, finishing with an even 72 and tied for 14th place after 18 holes.
Helm birdied two of the final three holes on the front nine and led the Cougars on the 6,332-yard course. Helm helped the Cougs finish the day tied with Notre Dame and ahead of conference foes Boise State and Colorado State.
A trio of 74s rounded out the Cougars’ team score, giving WSU a combined 294 (+6). Senior Sara Pineros, junior Sydney Bisgrove, and freshman Madalyn Gubernick each carded 74 (+2) and are tied for 33rd.
Pineros birdied the 168-yard, par-3 eighth hole and scored an even 36 through the front nine. Gubernick carded her first career birdie in her college debut, nailing the tee shot on the fifth green from 172 yards out. Bisgrove proved to be consistent throughout shooting par on all but two holes.
Junior Grace Rubelsky rounded out the Cougar squad with a 76 (+4) and sits 51st. Only three teams finished under par with the remaining 13 squads finishing over par and keeping the Cougs within striking distance of a top-5 finish.
WSU women’s golf returns to the course Monday, September 14 for the second round of the Invitational. The Cougars are set to tee off beginning at 7:15 a.m. CT (5:15 a.m. PT) alongside hosting Wisconsin and Iowa. Fans can follow live stats at the clipped.com tournament page and Cougar results via social media.