YPSILANTI, Mich. - Kayla Saunders improved two spots to finish tied for 23rd at the NAIA Women's Golf National Championship on Friday at Eagle Crest Golf Course.

The junior finished 17-over par 216 (75-80-78) with nine pars and three birdies on the final day.

Saunders' performance on the back nine was particularly strong as she pieced together eight consecutive holes of par or better, including birdies on holes No. 2 and 7.

All told, Saunders finished tied for the sixth-most birdies of the field with seven. She also improved her overall placement from last season's national championship by 45 spots.