Behind a sensational 8-under-par 64 from junior Averi Cline, the WKU women’s golf team secured a second-place finish at the 2024 Lady Paladin Invitational. The Lady Toppers shot a 1-under 287 on Sunday, bringing their tournament total to 5-over 869, just six strokes behind team champion Xavier.
Cline’s round on Sunday was the best of the tournament, as she carded nine birdies and only one bogey. She tied for second place overall with teammate Catie Craig, who fired a 3-under 69 in the final round. Both golfers finished with a 7-under 209, just one shot shy of the individual medalist.
Notables
- Cline’s 8-under 64 marked the lowest round of her career and the best round by a WKU golfer this fall. The previous low round for WKU this season was a 69 by Sydney Hackett at the Boilermaker Fall Classic.
- Cline’s previous career-low was a 69 at the 2023 CUSA Championships, where she also achieved her previous best finish of third.
- Catie Craig continues her consistent play, with six of her nine rounds this season coming in under par, including four consecutive sub-par rounds. Sunday’s 3-under 69 was her lowest round of the season, following three straight rounds of 2-under 70.
Quotable
“Averi had an awesome round today, and I’m so happy for her to put nine birdies on the board for a career-best 64! She, alongside Catie, who had another strong tournament and finish, helped the team to another runner-up finish! Overall, it was a solid week and another strong result in a 13-team field.” – Head coach Adam Gary
This strong performance continues WKU’s successful fall season, showcasing their talent and consistency.
TEAM LEADERBOARD
1. Xavier | 287-288-288—863 (-1)
2. Western Kentucky | 291-291-287—869 (+5)
3. Furman | 288-297-286—871 (+7)
4. High Point | 294-293-287—874 (+10)
5. UNCW & Old Dominion Tied at 875 (+11)
INDIVIDUAL LEADERBOARD
1. Keira Gonzalez-McCarthy, Augusta | 68-70-70—208 (-8)
T2. Catie Craig, WKU | 70-70-69—209 (-7)
T2. Averi Cline, WKU | 75-70-64—209 (-7)
4. Anna Howerton, High Point | 71-71-68—210 (-6)
5. Casilda Allendesalazar, North Florida | 70-68-73—211 (-5)
T20. Sydney Hackett, WKU | 71-75-75—221 (+5)
T49. Kaylee Dwyer, WKU | 75-76-79—230 (+14)
T49. Nina McMurtrey*, WKU | 77-74-79—230 (+14)
T63. Julia Zigrossi, WKU | 76-76-83—235 (+19)
