WKU Collects Third Top-Four Finish at Bettie Lou Evans

Sunday, September 29

Lexington, Ky.

Western Kentucky University

Hosted by Kentucky

Photo by: Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics

9/29/2019 4:40:00 PM | Women's Golf

Final Round Results

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lady Topper Golf earned its third top-four finish of the season after placing fourth in the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational on Sunday. WKU shot 1-under as a team in the final round to finish at 13-over 877 for the 54-hole tournament.

WKU's 54-hole team score, as well as the final round 1-under 287, are the fourth best numbers in program history. The fourth-place finish is the best the Lady Tops have earned at Kentucky in the last three years.

"The team as a whole did what needed to be done" said head coach Adam Gary on the team's overall performance. "We historically haven't played well there, but they didn't let that deter them. Even in some windy conditions we found a way to get the job done."

"I couldn't be prouder of the team shooting under par as a team today," Gary added. "That's really close to a school record on a tough course."

Leading the Red and White squad throughout the three-day tournament was senior Mary Joiner and junior Olivia Reed. Each Lady Topper carded an even-par 72 in their first and final rounds at the University Club's par-72, 6,114-yard Big Blue Course.

Each of their 54-hole totals amounted to 3-over 219, tying them for 13th on the final individual leaderboard.

"I'm really proud of Mary and Olivia's focus and determination this week" said Gary on the consistent duo.

Following Joiner and Reed in the standings was Megan Clarke. The junior fired a final round 3-under 69 to move up 19 spots on Sunday. The below-par score was the best final round of any Lady Topper and tied for the third best in the field.

Sophomore Lizzie Loy counted as WKU's fourth score on Sunday after recording a 2-over 74. Loy's 54-hole total of 8-over 225 is a new season best by seven strokes. Freshman Sarah Arnold carded a final round score of 79 to round out the Lady Topper lineup.

Individual Abigail Smee notched the second-best final round score of any Lady Topper, shooting 1-under 71 in her final 18-holes. Smee finished tied for 29th alongside Loy.

No. 28 Kentucky won the tournament for the second season in a row with a final score of 5-under par. Pilar Echeverria of the University of Indianapolis won the individual medalist honors at 5-under par.

WKU will take a two-week break from competition before heading to Louisville for the Cardinal Cup October 18-20.

Results – Final
t-13. – Mary Joiner – 72, 75, 72 – 219
t-13. – Olivia Reed – 72, 75, 72 – 219
17. – Megan Clarke – 72, 80, 69 – 221
t-29. – Lizzie Loy – 73, 78, 74 – 225
t-29. – Abigail Smee* - 75, 79, 71 – 225
t-48. – Sarah Arnold – 77, 73, 79 – 229