WEST POINT, Ga. (Sept. 12, 2021)- The Truett McConnell University women's golf team traveled to compete in their fall opener Saturday-Sunday at the Point University Invitational, where they collected a season opening first place finish out of eight teams, with a final team score of 631, 23 strokes lower than runner-up and tournament host, Point University (654). The Lady Bears were seen receiving votes in the latest NAIA National Top 25 Poll.

Most notable, the Lady Bears had four golfers finish in the top five, earning a spot on the all-tournament team. This is the most players in TMU history to finish in the top five in a single tournament.

Sophomore Madison Panter placed second overall, shooting a 75 day one and a 78 day two (153), only four strokes shy of the tournament winner from Point(149). Freshman Audrey Grace Holder made her debut as a Lady Bear finishing third, having shot an 81 on day one and cut off six strokes day two to shoot a 75 (156). Fellow freshman Erin Dorsey made her debut finishing fourth, shooting an 81 and a 79 (160), while freshman Jala Stamey made her debut finishing fifth, shooting an 83 and a 78 (161).

Senior Abby Akin finished tied at 10th, shooting an 86 day one and cut off six strokes day two to shoot an 80 (166). Sophomore Grace Lansdell followed up tying at 12th, having shot a 77 and a 90 (167).

"This was an incredible way to start off our fall season and welcome in our newcomers," said Head Coach Steve Patton. "Whenever you lose three of your top five players to graduation, it's hard to replace those spots with the necessary leadership and experience to be successful. These girls really stepped up and showed what they can do. This group is determined to continue to get better every day by putting in the hard work to find the same success throughout the rest of the season."

Up next, the Lady Bears will travel to Palm Harbor, Fla. for the Invite at Innisbrook Monday, Sept. 27-Tuesday, Sept. 28.