The Washington State women’s golf team got its 2026-27 season rolling Sunday at the Badger Invitational, and the Cougars left the first round in a solid spot. WSU is tied for sixth in the 16-team field at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin, sitting just one stroke behind host Wisconsin after opening with a 294 (+6).
Sophomore Kaitlyn Helm set the pace for the Cougars with an even-par 72, good for a tie for 14th after 18 holes. She closed the front nine with birdies on two of the final three holes, giving Washington State a steady early lift on the 6,332-yard course. Her round helped the Cougs land in a tie with Notre Dame and finish ahead of Boise State and Colorado State.
Washington State’s team score was built on a trio of 74s. Senior Sara Pineros, junior Sydney Bisgrove and freshman Madalyn Gubernick all finished at 74 (+2) and are tied for 33rd.
Pineros picked up a birdie on the 168-yard, par-3 eighth and made the turn at even 36. Gubernick made her college debut count with her first career birdie, sticking the tee shot on the fifth green from 172 yards out.
Bisgrove kept things tidy, posting par on all but two holes.
Junior Grace Rubelsky added a 76 (+4) and stands 51st to round out the Cougars’ lineup. Only three teams finished under par on the day, with the other 13 all over par, keeping Washington State in the mix heading into the second round.
WSU returns to action Monday, September 14, with the second round of the Invitational. The Cougars are scheduled to tee off at 7:15 a.m.
CT (5:15 a.m. PT) alongside Wisconsin and Iowa.
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Washington State Home Opener Puts Kirby Moore's Biggest Early Test Front And Center
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Duquesne comes in carrying its own concerns, having started the year with two losses and sitting last in the FCS in total offense. For Washington State, that makes this more than a routine September matchup. It is a chance to steady the tone, get healthier where possible and show some growth in front of a home crowd before the schedule starts asking tougher questions. [Read more 🡒]