The Chattanooga Mocs women’s golf team finished in second place at the Chris Banister Invitational, according to a March 10 announcement. The tournament was held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Silver Lakes course in Gadsden, Alabama, with the Mocs posting a total score of 904 after a final round of 299.
This result places Chattanooga behind No. 21 Tennessee and ahead of host Jacksonville State in a field of sixteen teams. The performance is notable as it marks the first top-three finish for sophomore Bugg, who led the team throughout the event.
Coach Katie Woodruff said, “It was great to see how well we battled when we were not at our best this week. Bella was really good and proud to see her get her first top 3. Our putting got a little exposed so we’re going to make some adjustments before Austin next week. I am so encouraged; this group has so much potential and it’s very exciting.”
In individual results, Bugg tied for third with rounds of 72-73-74 for a total of 219 (+3). Other strong performances included Healey tying for thirteenth with a final round of 71 and an overall score of 225 (+9), while another teammate tied for twentieth with a score of 229 (+13). Three Mocs golfers finished in the top twenty for the second time this season.
Additional highlights from the tournament include Bugg’s achievement as her first collegiate top-three finish and her second top-twenty placement in three starts. She averaged 74 strokes per round during this period. Healey tied for the tournament lead in par-five scoring at two under par, while Bugg ranked second in pars (41) and third in fewest bogeys (8), playing par or better on over eighty-five percent of her holes.
Looking ahead, Chattanooga will compete next at the Betsy Rawls Invitational hosted by Texas on March 16-17 at the UT Golf Course.
