The women’s golf team placed second at the Hawkeye-El Tigre Invitational in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, over the weekend, finishing with a five-player team total of 28-over par.
In a two-day event that began on Friday, March 16, the 48th-ranked Owls placed higher than three teams ranked above them in the Golfstat college golf polls.
Junior Roanne Tomlinson was the top individual finisher for the Owls with a three-round total of 4-over 220, finishing eighth overall. KSU’s Medy Thavong of KSU played as a non-attached individual and finished second overall with an even-par 216.
The team survived a tough two-round first day and kept its composure in Saturday’s final round to finish over ranked Wisconsin, San Diego State and Washington.
“This is a huge result for this team and so well earned,” said head coach Rhyll Brinsmead. “This result is so satisfying because the team went out and earned a second-place finish in a strong field.”
The Owls found most of their scoring success on par-5 holes where they excelled to a team score of 9-under, just two strokes behind tournament winners the University of Arizona. On par-3 holes, the Owls finished in the middle of the pack and were 12 strokes behind the category leaders.
As the only team to have their best scoring round on the final day, the Owls are continuing to strengthen their credentials in preparation for the Atlantic Sun Conference Championships next month. After finishing third last season, the Owls are looking to break North Florida’s hold on the last two ASUN titles.
“We have practiced diligently, and the team executed so well today in really tough and windy conditions,” Brinsmead said. “I am so happy for them and Kennesaw State.”
Up next, the women’s golf team will host the Henssler Intercollegiate, which will be played from Monday, March 26, to Tuesday, March 27, at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw.
