The Chattanooga Mocs women’s golf team finished the first round of the Chris Banister Invitational in fourth place, posting a score of 306. The team is one stroke behind Longwood, which is in third place with 305, and three strokes behind Indiana State, which holds second place at 303. Seton Hall trails Chattanooga by one shot in fifth.
Coach Katie Woodruff commented on the team’s performance after the opening round. “We definitely did not have our ‘A game’ today. We have some adjustments to make on the greens which will have us ready (for final 36 holes). Big round from Bella today…proud of her fight,” said Woodruff.
The tournament is being held at RTJ Silver Lakes in Gadsden, Alabama, with a par-72 course measuring 5,890 yards. Tennessee leads after day one with a score of 291 (+3). Other teams close to Chattanooga include Akron, Jacksonville State, and Bradley—all tied for sixth at 308—followed by Samford in ninth with 309.
Chattanooga’s standout individual performer was Bugg, who carded an even-par 72. Her round included two birdies, 14 pars, and two bogeys on what proved to be a challenging scoring day; the field’s average score was 79.26. Only six players managed par or better scores during the first round. Caroline McConnell from Bradley leads individually with a score of 70 (-2).
Bugg’s two birdies matched those recorded by teammates Pauliukonyte and Cooper. All five counting birdies for Chattanooga came on the back nine as the team improved its play over that stretch.
The second round will begin Monday at 11:15 a.m., starting from the first hole. Cooper will tee off first for Chattanooga, followed by Pauliukonyte, Wells, Healey, and Bugg at nine-minute intervals.
Chattanooga has previously performed well at this event in past years; historical results show team victories in both 2007 and 2008 as well as in 2024.
For more information about the program or to follow future updates about UTC athletics and support opportunities for student-athletes, visit GoMocs.com.
