Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) women’s golf team made history with an impressive second-place finish at the Florida State Match Up. This achievement showcased their skill and proved their competitiveness among the nation’s leading golf programs.
The Tournament: A Test of Talent and Tenacity
The tournament took place from March 20-22 at the challenging Seminole Legacy Golf Club in Tallahassee, Florida. Ranked 28th, the EMU Eagles faced three grueling rounds on the course. They concluded with a total score of 4-over 868, demonstrating remarkable consistency with rounds of 290, 290, and a tournament-best 288 on the final day.
The title was claimed by the home team, 18th-ranked Florida State University, who scored 4-under 860. Despite this, the EMU Eagles held their ground, finishing eight strokes ahead of the third-place University of Tulsa and outperforming teams like the University of Illinois and the 35th-ranked University of Virginia.
Jasmine Leovao: A Rising Star
Junior Jasmine Leovao played a significant role in the Eagles’ success. She continued her impressive season in Tallahassee, finishing third individually with a 3-under 213. This marked her fifth top-10 finish of the season, all of which have been within the top four.
Leovao’s performance was not just a personal victory, but also a historic moment for EMU’s women’s golf program. Her score of 213 tied for the ninth-best 54-hole score in the program’s history, marking her twelfth career under-par finish. Leovao outshone several higher-ranked competitors, including Elin Pudas Remier of Florida State and Jaclyn LaHa of Virginia.
A Team Effort
However, the Eagles’ achievement was not solely due to Leovao’s performance. It was a collective effort, with four of the team’s five starters finishing in the top 13. Savannah de Bock notably finished tied for ninth place with an even-par 216, earning her fourth top-10 finish of the year.
The Eagles’ historic performance is a testament to the team’s hard work, talent, and dedication. They have not only made the EMU community proud but also set a new benchmark for the program. As the team continues to compete at this level, we can anticipate more triumphs in the future.
(Photo Credit: Eastern Michigan University Athletics: Mogie Adamchik)