KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The App State Women’s Golf team put forth a commendable effort at the Tennessee Spring Challenge, showcasing their talent against a competitive field. Led by standout performances from Layla Meric and Salem Lee, the team concluded the regular season with pride, finishing 10th overall in the tournament held at the challenging Fox Den Country Club.
Stellar Performances Amid Stiff Competition
With a 5-over-par performance, Meric secured an impressive tie for 11th place, while Lee closely followed, finishing tied for 17th at 6-over-par. Their strong finishes reflect the progress and determination of the App State squad, especially as they faced off against powerhouse teams. Just shy of a tie with the recent Mimosa Hills Intercollegiate champions, Wofford, the Mountaineers battled fiercely but fell only a single shot short, displaying tenacity throughout the event.
Competition Overview
After the first round, the Mountaineers found themselves in a promising position, resting in seventh place and trailing only three shots behind the 31st-ranked Tennessee. However, the conclusion of the 36-hole tournament saw WKU claim the team title, dominating the competition by an impressive 11 strokes with a final score of 1-over-par. WKU’s Kaylee Dwyer emerged as the individual champion, finishing at 4-under-par, further emphasizing the level of skill displayed throughout this tournament.
Individual Highlights from App State
Meric demonstrated her prowess with consistent rounds of 74 and 75 on the challenging par-72 layout, marking her third top-20 finish of the spring season. Lee, who began the final round tied for 12th, maintained her competitive spirit, posting scores of 74 and 76.
In addition to their remarkable contributions, Makena Dubois, competing as an individual, mirrored her form from previous events, carding rounds of 79 and 77 to finish at 12-over-par. Fellow teammate Ona Lukes opened strong with a round of 76, yet concluded the tournament with a total of 18-over-par. Meanwhile, Jacquelyn Taylor recorded an opening 79, with Mary-Sears Brown finishing with consecutive 82s, placing them both at 20-over-par.
Looking Ahead: The Sun Belt Championship
As the 2024-25 season rolls on, presented proudly by Hound Ears Club, the Mountaineers are gearing up for their next challenge. They will head into the Sun Belt Conference Championship tournament in Alabama next Monday, hoping to ride this momentum into postseason play. With the lessons learned and experiences gained throughout the regular season, App State’s women’s golf team is poised for a strong showing as they aim for greatness in the Sun Belt Championship.
To stay updated on the latest in women’s golf, check out resources such as the NCAA Women’s Golf and the App State Athletics. Follow their journey as they continue to make their mark in collegiate golf!
