ARDEN, N.C. – Lipscomb Women's Golf became the 2023 French Broad Collegiate Invitational Team Champions after defeating Abilene Christian in a playoff Tuesday for its second tournament win of the fall season. In addition, Mary Kate Smith rose to the top of the field and claimed the spot as Individual Medalist. 
 
Lipscomb and Abilene Christian kept pace throughout the entire tournament. The Bisons were leading the field after the first day of competition after posting a 292 and 304 in the first two rounds, sitting two strokes ahead of Abilene Christian. Lipscomb turned in a 308 in the final day, ending (+52). Abilene Christian posted a 306 in the final round, making up the two-stroke deficit to force a playoff. 
 
Each player for both teams played the first hole for the playoff and the Bisons came out on top, with the top four scores counting to become the 2023 French Broad Collegiate Invitational Champions. 
 
Smith was solid and consistent throughout the entire tournament, ultimately rising to the top. Her best round was a 69 in the first round of play and followed that with a 74 in the second round. On a day with tough conditions, Smith carded a 76 for a (+6) on the event, two strokes ahead of the second-place finisher. 
 
Each member of the squad turned in solid scores throughout the event. In addition to Smith, Lauren Thompson finished in the top-5 with a fourth-place finish. Finishing (+10) on the event, Thompson carded a 74 in both the first and third rounds while she carded a 75 in round two. 
 
Lipscomb got another top-20 finish from freshman Zi Yu Foong, who tied for 16^th-place. Foong's best round was her first round when she turned in a 71, one of the best scores of the day. With a 79 and 80 in the second and third rounds, respectively, she finished (+17). 
 
Katya Tibbetts put in a top-25 performance, tying for 24^th-place with a 79, 76, 78 (+20). Danica Badura rounded things out for the Bisons with a 78, 86, 85 (+36), tying for 45^th. 
 
HEAD COACH SHANNON O'BRIEN
"I am proud of the girls. They battled hard in really tough conditions today with the temperature dropping about 30 degrees overnight. The team playoff at the end was a great test and a fun experience to be gained. Every tournament it takes the entire squad to get the victory and I'm thrilled for the girls to finish the fall season with this win. Additionally, I'm really happy for Mary Kate. She battled hard and earned a great individual championship! We are thankful for some rest over the holiday break and look forward to the spring season!"