March 19, 2024

Griffith's medalist honor propels Tech to runner-up showing at Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – It was a historic day at Sevierville Golf Club for the Tennessee Tech women's golf team Tuesday afternoon, as Chloe Griffith became the first Golden Eagle to capture medalist honors at the team's Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate.

By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – It was a historic day at Sevierville Golf Club for the Tennessee Tech women's golf team Tuesday afternoon, as Chloe Griffith became the first Golden Eagle to capture medalist honors at the team's Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate.

Competing on the Highlands Course, the true freshman guided the purple and gold to a runner-up showing as a team, ending an impressive run with a 2-over 73 behind three birdies and 11 pars. Leading the event wire-to-wire, she completed the three days of action with a 220 overall to top the field of 60 by five strokes.

The freshman's impressive victory marked the first by a Golden Eagle women's golfer since Hollee Sadler took home a first-place finish at the Starmount Forest Fall Classic back on Oct. 4, 2016.

The Golden Eagles turned in their top round of the event on Tuesday, securing a 307 for a total of 931 and a second-place finish. It represented the team's top finish since delivering a runner-up performance at the Town and Country Invitational on Oct. 30, 2018. Bowling Green captured the team title, posting a 919 overall.

Senior Ainsley Simms completed a 1-2 punch for the purple and gold, placing second in the field after delivering a 74 on the day. She used a pair of birdies and 11 pars on her way to a collective 225.

Behind a third-round 80, Kaydi Rhodes locked down a 21st-place finish after racking up a birdie. She tallied a 241 overall. Next among the Tech lineup was Reagan Stuke, tying for 32nd behind an 80 with two birdies on her way to a 248.

Completing the Golden Eagle lineup, senior Gittle Sicolis produced a 250 for the week, including an 85 on the final day of action. Competing as individuals, a trio of Golden Eagles turned in solid showing, led by rookie Lexus Julian.

The Cookeville native ripped off a 77 to complete her first event at Sevierville Golf Club, carding a birdie with 11 pars. Julian tied for 11th overall in the field behind a composite total of 235.

Sydney Branson tied for 27th in the event thanks to an 85 on the day and a 245 overall. Lydia Baker rounded out the Tech competitors, turning in an 86 on her way to a 262.

Next on tap for the purple and gold is the Golfweek Intercollegiate from Monday, Apr. 1 through Wednesday, Apr. 3. Play will take place at the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club in Pawley's Island, S.C.

Top 5 Teams:
1.	Bowling Green	307-306-306=919	+67
2.	Tennessee Tech	*312-312-307=931*	+79
3.	Lincoln Memorial	307-319-315=941	+89
4.	Eastern Michigan	321-322-314=957	+105
5.	Christian Brothers	321-327-322=970	+118

Leaderboard (60 Golfers)
1.	Chloe Griffith	71-76-73=220	+7
2.	Ainsley Simms	78-73-74=225	+12
T-11.	Lexus Julian (I)	78-80-77=235	+22
21.	Kaydi Rhodes	80-81-80=241	+28
T-27.	Sydney Branson (I)	81-79-85=245	+32
T-32.	Reagan Stuke	83-85-80=248	+35
T-35.	Gittle Sciolis	83-82-85=250	+37
47.	Lydia Baker (I)	90-86-86=262	+34