South Alabama women’s golf secured first place at the Magnolia Collegiate tournament held at Magnolia Grove on March 17, defeating 13 other teams with a total score of 893. Three Jaguars finished in the individual top-10, helping the team to victory on their home course.
The win is significant as it marks South Alabama’s first home tournament since the 2023-24 season and demonstrates the team’s ability to perform under pressure. Head Coach Marcelo Huarte said, “I’m incredibly proud of this team. Winning is never easy, and competing on their home course for the first time brought its own challenges, but their resilience showed.”
Huarte also commented on his team’s determination: “They fought back and never let mistakes define them. It came down to the very end, and their determination made the difference. This was a well-earned win, and we’ll carry momentum forward.”
South Alabama posted rounds of 300, 301, and 292 for a final score of 893 (+29), finishing ahead of West Georgia (896) and Lipscomb (898). Anna Behnsen led South Alabama individually with a tie for third place (222), followed by Lilian Buehle in sixth (223) and Mercedes Aldana tied for eighth (226). The Jaguars excelled in par-five scoring at 11-under and matched West Georgia for most birdies with 35 each.
Several players achieved personal milestones during the event. McKenna Murphy’s opening round of 73 and Ana Malcolm Poch’s round of 75 both matched career lows. Behnsen recorded her second eagle of the season on the par-five No.13 hole—her third as a Jaguar—and led all participants in par-three and par-five averages.
Looking ahead, South Alabama will compete at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic from March 28-30 at UGA Golf Course in Athens, Georgia.
