Going into the final round down by ten strokes, Morehead State women's golf rallied behind a collection of top-15 finishers to win the Briar Ridge Invitational in Schereville, Ind.
The Eagles improved in every single round of the 54-hole tournament, despite the second round being suspended due to darkness on Sunday night (Sept. 26), carding a 317-307-303 – 927.
"I'm very proud of our team for their perseverance and resilience this week. It was a total team effort and everyone competed with heart. Briar Ridge Country Club is a tough track, with hard and fast greens, as well as winds up to 38 mph," head coach Stephanie Barker added.
Sophomore MacKenzie Neal finished atop the Morehead State leaderboard for first time this season, tying for sixth. She fashioned scores of 81-74-77-232, finishing sixteen-over-par for the event. Fellow sophomore Olivia Hensley was close behind, notching a top-10 finish of her own with a 78-74-81—233.
Redshirt senior Bridget Connolly and freshman Hanna Montgomery captured top-15 finishes as well, finishing 12th and 13th, respectively. Sophomore Alina-Sophie Koch rounded out the team with a top-20 finish, including a team low +2 on Monday to aid in Morehead State's final round push.
Playing as an individual, sophomore Hailey Rietz also had a strong performance, carding an 83-79-78 – 240; good for a top-20 finish.
The team led the field in pars, with MacKenzie Neal and Olivia Hensley tying for the individual lead with 33 apiece. The Eagles also had the most birdies, with 27, and had the best scoring average on par fives throughout the tournament.
"I am just thrilled for our team and so very proud of them all," Barker said.
Morehead State returns to the course Oct. 10 for a three-day tournament hosted by College of Charleston. The event tees off from the Plantation Course in Edisto Island, S.C.
