SILVIS, Ill. (October 18, 2022) – On Tuesday, the No. 16 Truett McConnell University women's golf team hit the road to compete in the TPC Deere Run Invitational NAIA Preview, home of the 28^th annual NAIA Women's Golf National Championships for the next two years and PGA tour stop for the annual John Deer Classic. The Lady Bears finished tied in 11th with Marian University, with a final team score of 348 through one round. TMU was featured competing at a high level in an aggressive field of teams, along with besting three NAIA Top 25 Poll teams (No. 14 Texas Wesleyan, No. 15 Lindsey Wilson and No. 24 Rocky Mountain University).
 
The invitational was shortened from 54 holes to 18 holes due to freezing temperatures. The inclement weather proved to be a major contributor of significantly higher scores for all teams competing, with the likelihood of Golfstat adjusting the stroke average considerably due to the adverse weather conditions.
 
"The ladies gave incredible effort in extremely adverse conditions," said Head Coach Steve Patton. "In all my years of coaching, I've never had a team play in more extreme weather. The wind was 20 mph+, and the wind chill was below freezing. It was snowing and the course was a PGA tour course, which already made it difficult. We probably could have cleaned up a few strokes here and there, but I am also very proud of the tenacity the girls played with."
 
Madison Panter showed her grit after shooting an impressive 79 to finish tied in sixth place out of 100 athletes, along with earning a spot on the All-Tournament team.
 
"This was potentially the best I've ever seen Madi play in her collegiate career to date. I'm so proud of her for making the All-Tournament team in an absolutely stacked field," said Coach Patton.  
 
Sylken November followed up with an 88, while Mary Grace Davidson was featured shooting a 90. Jala Stamey finished with a 91, followed by Audrey Grace Holder who rounded out the results for TMU with a 92.
 
"If we are fortunate enough to make it to the national championships this year, there is no doubt this preview experience will help us. This was such a treat for the girls to get to play the actual course that the PGA tour players play on and an experience they will never forget."
 
Up next, the Lady Bears hit the road to compete in their final tournament of the fall season at the Appalachian Athletic Fall Preview. The tournament is set to begin on Monday, October 24 – Tuesday, October 25 in Greenville, Tenn. at the Link Hills Country Club.