Golf Captures Overall and Individual Titles at SCAD Invitational
The Brenau golf team defeated a strong field, which included three nationally ranked teams, to capture both the team and overall individual championships at the SCAD-Atlanta Fall Invitational at The Oaks Golf Course in Covington, Ga. on Tuesday.
Propelled by senior Sara Jane Bowers' standout performance, the Golden Tigers squad edged out host SCAD-Atlanta by one stroke to win the event.
The Statesboro, Ga. native fired a two-day total of 72-70-142 to finish two strokes ahead of Dalton State's Hannah Gasaway to win the individual championship.
"What a way to start the 2017-2018 season," said head coach Damon Stancil. "The ladies really stepped up their game. I'm so proud of the way they conducted themselves over the two days-not only with their stellar play-but with their attitudes and sportsmanship."
In her first competition as a Golden Tiger, sophomore Niquole Mangal placed third overall with a strong total of 73-72-145. Fellow sophomore Ashley Omidi also notched a top-20 finish, placing 15th with a solid score of 76-76-152.
Freshmen Macie Hurst (76-80-156) and Annika Blanton (87-79-166) also played well in their debuts as the duo finished T22nd and T32nd respectively.
"Sara Jane and Niquole really set the tone making birdies and limiting their mistakes in order to go low both days," said Stancil. "Ashley was steady both days, giving us two strong rounds, while Macie and Annika each gave us crucial scores that rounded out two days of scores to contribute to the win."
Entering the tournament receiving votes in the 2017 NAIA Women's Golf Preseason Poll, the Golden Tigers defeated #4 Dalton State (Ga.) College, #10 SCAD-Atlanta and #14 University of Northwest Ohio in their first tournament of the year.
The Golden Tigers next travel to play in the Union (Ky.) College tournament on October 2nd in Pikeville, Kentucky.