A strong final round helped the WKU women’s golf team finish third in its first outing of the spring Monday at the Samford Spring Shootout.
After registering a 28-over 316 in the first round and sitting in last place, the Lady Toppers rallied with a 6-over 294 team total in the final 18 holes, tying the lowest team round of the day.
“I’m proud of the way we fought back,” WKU head coach Adam Gary said. “We were a little rusty, and it showed in the first round, but I’m pleased with how they persevered.”
WKU’s 610 team total was good for third out of six teams in the one-day, 36-hole event at Greystone Golf & Country Club. Jacksonville State won with a 596 total. Individuals from Auburn, Alabama and UAB also competed.
The Lady Toppers had three individuals finish in the top 10, led by freshman Mary Joiner (78-71) and junior Katie Story (77-72), who each tied for sixth at 149.
Joiner’s 1-under 71 tied for the lowest individual round of the tournament. It was her third top-10 finish of her first college season. Story’s final-round 72 tied her best round of the season.
Senior Daniela Galassi finished 10th with a 151 (77-74) while competing as an individual. Her 74 was the best score of her career.
WKU brought all nine of its golfers to the event. Eight improved on their score in the final round, while seven improved by at least three strokes and five improved by at least five strokes.
Freshmen Abigail Smee and Bailey Tyree both tied for 32nd at 158 (82-76), while juniors Emily Alexander (84-75) and Georgina Blackman (79-80) both tied for 35th at 159. The tournament was Tyree’s college debut.
Junior Elizabeth Cason tied for 42nd at 165, and redshirt sophomore Hannah Turner was 47th at 169.
The Lady Toppers return to action at the North Florida Intercollegiate on March 6-7 at Jacksonville Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla.
WKU Final Results
T6. Mary Joiner (78-71-149)
T6. Katie Story (77-72-149)
10. Daniela Galassi (77-74-151)
T32. Abigail Smee (82-76-158)
T32. Bailey Tyree (82-76-158)
T35. Emily Alexander (84-75-159)
T35. Georgina Blackman (79-80-159)
T42. Elizabeth Cason (84-81-165)
47. Hannah Turner (85-84-169)
How to follow the Lady Toppers: For complete information on WKU Lady Topper Golf, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUWomensGolf.
-@WKUSports-
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Zach Greenwell
Associate Director