“There was a lot of hugging and a lot of crying,” MSU head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll said in a statement to the MSU athletic department. “It just feels great to set a goal that has never been reached in program history. It was quite a while ago when we finished 12th. We’ve accomplished so many things as a program.”

Top-ranked Southern California claimed the 2013 National Championship by 21 shots.

Junior Christine Meier tied for sixth place with a 1-over 289 (72-75-69-73), equaling the best finish by a Spartan at the NCAA Championships.

Meier’s 289 is the second-lowest score in program history at nationals and the fourth-lowest 72-hole total in the school record books.

Senior Caroline Powers finished her illustrious career at MSU with an even-par 72. Powers tied for 50th overall with a 13-over 301 (76,74,79,72).

Powers has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Dinah Shore Trophy Award yesterday.

The award recognizes a female collegiate golfer who excels in both academics (at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale) and athletics- playing at least 50 percent of the team’s scheduled events- while maintain a 78.00 or less scoring average.

Powers also was named the 2013 Big Ten Player of the Year. In addition, Powers is a three-time All-Big Ten First Team selection along with being a two-time recipient of the George Alderton Award, which is awarded to MSU’s top female athlete.

Powers finished her career with the lowest scoring average in school history at 74.26.

The Spartans closed their final round in 11th. Following a 2-over finish on the final hole for Oklahoma and Tulane, the Spartans advanced into the ninth place tie.

Junior Allyssa Ferrell also finished at 13-over 301 (74-72-74-81) and tied for 50th along with Powers.

Fellow Junior Liz Nagel tied for 93rd at 308 (78-74-76-80), sophomore Trisha Witherby finished tied for 104th at 312 (76-71-86-79).

Four of MSU’s five starters will return to the lineup in 2013-14 to make another run in the NCAA Championships.