Joliet rallies past DuPage for repeat Region 4 championship
BRISTOL, ILL. - The 2026 Region 4 Division III Women's Golf Tournament came down to a single stroke, and when the 36-hole event finished, Joliet Junior College had successfully defended its crown. The Wolves, who are the defending national champions, rallied from an 11-shot deficit to defeat the College of DuPage by one shot, 759 to 760, at Blackberry Golf Club on May 3-4. Rock Valley College freshman Amelia Dunseth took medalist honors as the 2026 Region 4 Golfer of the Year as she distanced herself from the pack with a 159 total. Skip Steffey of JJC was awarded the Region 4 Coach of the Year. (Recap: Joliet)
2026 Region 4 Division III Women's Golf Tournament Final Results
The Chaparrals secured an 11-shot advantage after Round 1 with a 372; however, Joliet Junior College responded after a 383 with a 376 on the final 18 holes to overcome DuPage's lead after the frontrunners posted a 388. Rock Valley College as third at 775.
Joliet Junior College placed three players in the top seven, led by Sarah Mills in third place with a 177. Grayce Featherston was fifth at 183, followed by Adrianna Cottrell in seventh with a 191.
Dunseth turned in an eight-over-par 80 to lead the event by five after Round 1, and followed it up with a seven-over 79 to win the tournament by 15 shots over runner-up Maryssa Zielinski of DuPage
The Wolves, as well as Dunseth, will compete in the 2026 NJCAA Region 4 Division III Women's Golf Championships at Chautauqua Golf Course in Chautauqua, New York, from June 3-6.
(Image courtesy of Joliet Junior College Athletics)
All-Region 4
First Team
Amelia Dunseth - Rock Valley College
Maryssa Zielinski - College of DuPage
Sarah Mills - Joliet Junior College
Isabella Krosse - College of DuPage
Grayce Featherston - Joliet Junior College
Aubreye Hyatt - College of DuPage
2026 Region 4 Golfer of the Year
Amelia Dunseth - Rock Valley College
2026 Region 4 Coach of the Year
Skip Steffey - Joliet Junior College