Ryu and the Paladins defend titles

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – Furman shot a 13‑over‑par 301 in Wednesday’s final round to close out the tournament two strokes ahead of Chattanooga and claim the team title at the 2026 Southern Conference Women’s Golf Championship, contested at Columbia Country Club. Furman’s Audrey Ryu carded a 1‑over 73 in the final round, securing the individual title with a three‑day total of 214 (–2). 

With the championship win, the Paladins clinched the Southern Conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Regionals. The NCAA field will be announced live on Golf Channel on Wednesday, April 29, at 5 p.m. ET. 

Furman entered the final round with the team lead and went on to capture its ninth title in the last 11 tournaments and the 22nd championship in program history. 

Furman’s Andrea Marin Raga earned the Pinnacle Award presented by the Knight Commission, given to the student‑athlete with the highest GPA on the championship‑winning team. 

Chattanooga finished as the runner‑up with a three‑day total of 896, led by Makenzie Cooper, who tied for third at +6 after holding the opening‑round lead. 

Statistical Highlights:  

• Kasey McIlvaine (UNCG) lead the field at –2, the top performance on par‑3 holes. 
• Audrey Ryu (Furman) and Makenzie Cooper (Chattanooga) tied for first with an average of 3.95 on par‑4s. 
• Sophia Gambini (ETSU), Audrey Ryu (Furman), and Bella Bugg (Chattanooga) share the lead at –3 on par‑5s. 
• Sophia Gambini (ETSU) lead the field with 7 birdies, the highest total through the completed rounds. 
• Audrey Ryu (Furman) lead all players with 20 pars, reflecting the most consistent round‑to‑round play. 
• Makenzie Cooper (Chattanooga) recorded one of the standout rounds of the tournament with a 3‑under 69 in Round 1. 

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Furman — +30 
2. Chattanooga — +32 

3.  UNCG — +46 

4. Samford — +49 

3. ETSU — +57 
4. Mercer — +61 
5. Wofford — +62 
6. Western Carolina — +85 
7. The Citadel — +127