St. Ambrose matched its highest CCAC finish, claiming runner-up honors at the CCAC Women's Golf Championships Tuesday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. It tied the team's second-place finish back in 2021.

Katherine Speer earned all-tournament team honors by placing third individually. That was the top finish by a Bee at the conference tournament since St. Ambrose joined the CCAC in 2015-16.

Saint Xavier earned the league's automatic bid to the NAIA Championships by winning the CCAC crown. The Cougars trailed the Bees by six shots after Monday's opening round before making a big run Tuesday. SXU shot a second-day 350, a 31-stroke improvement over the first round, to surpass SAU for the team title. Saint Xavier shot a 731 (381-350).

St. Ambrose will also compete at the National Tournament. The Bees earned the host-school bid for the four-day championships to be played at TPC Deere Run beginning May 23. SAU also improved its score Tuesday, finishing with a 740 (375-365).

Judson placed third while Olivet Nazarene, Trinity Christian and Holy Cross rounded out the field. Governors State, St. Francis (Ill.) and Indiana South Bend had individuals competing.

The weather played a major role during the first round as players battled the wind and cold temperatures.

Speer grabbed a early lead, firing an 83 Monday, four shots ahead of the field. But on a much warmer, calmer day, scores came way down Tuesday and Speer wasn't quite able to hold on. The Bee junior carded an 85 to finish with a 168, good for third place.

Saint Xavier's Hannah Kilbane earned medalist honors after winning a one-hole playoff over Shannon Smith of St. Francis. Kilbane bounced back after an opening-round 89 to shoot a 77 for a 166. Smith had rounds of 87 and 79 for her 166.

Kara Williams picked up a top-10 finish, placing seventh. She shot a 180 (92-88).

Amara Lytle, who had the previous best finish by a Bee with a fifth-place effort last year, tied for 15th this year. She shot a 189 (99-90). Aleanna Mendoza finished with a 203 (101-102) and Aiko Mendoza ended with a 214 (105-109).

Before heading to the NAIA Championships in May, St. Ambrose will compete in the Augustana Viking Invitational at Highland Springs in Rock Island, Ill., Apr. 28-29.