The Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s golf team finished seventh at the Full Moon BBQ Invitational, hosted by the University of Montevallo at Timberline Golf Club. The Rangers were the only two-year program in the field, which included several teams from last year’s national tournament, including defending national champions Shelton State Community College.
Playing with all freshmen on the scoring team, Northwest coach Adam Payne expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “I was really pleased with how we played, being a little fish in a big pond. I thought we handled it well,” Payne said. “It’s a talented group, and I wanted to throw them in the deep end just to see how they would react. I think they played well.”
Elizabeth Kilpatrick led the Rangers, finishing tied for 18th after shooting a 78 on the final day. She improved from a tie for 19th after the first two rounds and posted scores in the 70s each day. Payne praised her performance, saying she hit the ball well and maintained her composure throughout the tournament.
Three other Rangers finished within one stroke of each other. Rylee Summerlin and Elsa Lomas Castillo tied for 30th, with Castillo overcoming a tough stretch early in her round to finish with an 85. Summerlin shot an 82, moving up three spots on the leaderboard with a consistent day. Graysa Enders posted her best score of the tournament, an 80, finishing her final nine holes just two over par with two birdies.
Payne noted the team’s confidence and readiness for upcoming competition. “We did not look out of place. You couldn’t tell the difference between us and four-year schools, and that is the talent we want to recruit,” he said. The team will host its own tournament next week at River Bend Links in Tunica, featuring strong competition including teams from last year’s national field and several MACCC schools, such as East Mississippi, Pearl River, and Northeast Mississippi communities.
He added, “I think after this event, we’ll be a lot more seasoned for the Ranger Women’s Invitational. We’re looking forward to seeing how we measure up against tough opponents.”
Follow Northwest women’s golf updates at nwccrangers.com or on the team’s social media accounts.
