Women's Golf 9/12/2023 4:44:00 PM

Women's Golf Finishes Runners-Up at Golfweek Fall Challenge

PAWLEY'S ISLAND, S.C. – Lipscomb Women's Golf had a solid opening tournament to the 2023-24 campaign, finishing Runners-Up at the 2023 Golfweek Fall Challenge.

The Bisons led after the first two rounds of play, putting up a combined 285 and 287 in the first and second rounds, respectively. Lipscomb slowed a bit in the final round, however with a 291. The Bisons competed for the tournament title all the way through the tournament and finished just a stroke behind UNCW. UNCW shot the lowest combined round of the tournament on Tuesday (284) to secure the title. Lipscomb finished with a total score of 863 (+11), right on the heels of UNCW (862, +10).

"We're thankful to start the season competing for a championship out of the gate," said head coach Shannon O'Brien. "We have a roster of eight players, who similarly to last season; every single one of them will contribute to the team and our success. I'm thankful for the depth of our roster and chemistry of our team. We had three new players qualify for the tournament this week, and all gained great experience along with the returning players. Our heart is to strive together, and our team is doing that. To lose the championship today by a stroke after battling three days straight in the top two of 18 teams isn't anything for us to hang our heads about. We battled, and had great competition with UNCW. Hats off to them for shooting a great round, edging us by one stroke. We have always respected their program, and wish them well in their season. As for our team, we're just getting started and look forward to our next event at Mizzou," said O'Brien.

Lauren Thompson led the way for the Bisons and ultimately finished tied for fourth place. Thompson led after the first day of competition, turning in a 67 and followed that round with a 72 on the second day. Thompson posted a 73 in the final round for a 212 total (-1). Over the course of the three rounds, Thompson carded 37 pars and nine birdies. She also finished tied for second in the field in Par 4's with an even average.

The always consistent Mary Kate Smith turned in another great finish for the Bisons as she tied for 10^th place in the field. The graduate student carded a 72, 71, 73 (+3) over the course of the three-day tournament. Smith had 35 pars and eight pars.

Graduate transfer Danica Badura turned in a top-25 finish in her first tournament for the Purple and Gold. Badura started the tournament with a 74 in the first round, but heated up with a 70 in round two. She capped off the event with a 75 to finish at (+6) and tied for 25^th. Badura was fifth in the field in Par 5 scoring, averaging 4.67 (-4). She bolstered that with 35 pars and eight birdies.

Zi Yu Foong also fared well in her first collegiate tournament. Foong posted two solid rounds with a 72 and 73 in the first and third rounds, respectively. The freshman carded a 77 in the second round and finished (+9) on the event.

Freshman Katya Tibbetts rounded things out for the Bisons finishing the tournament at (+11). Tibbetts shot a 78 and 74 in the first two rounds, respectively, but jumped 14 places with a 72 in the final round.

HERD NOTES