Mississippi State Wins Mason Rudolph Championship in Nashville

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Mississippi State women’s golf secured its first team victory since the 2024 SEC Championship Sunday, winning the Mason Rudolph Championship with a three-day total of 2-under par. The Bulldogs edged out Arizona State and Florida by one stroke.

Mississippi State entered the final round in second place, three strokes behind Florida, which was 8-under at the start of the day. The Bulldogs rallied behind a strong team effort, with all five players finishing inside the top 20 and three inside the top 10.

Samantha Whateley led the Bulldogs with a fifth-place finish, shooting 3-under par. It was her fourth top-five finish and her tenth top-20. Whateley was one of only eight golfers in the field to finish under par. Her 3-under score marked her best finish since October 2025 and was her third career round under par.

Alona Avery and Moa Stridh played pivotal roles in clinching the title. Both finished tied for ninth at even par. Stridh posted her second consecutive round of par or better, finishing with a 2-under 69. She made the turn at 3-over but went bogey-free on the back nine, including an eagle on the 14th and three straight birdies to close her round.

Avery started her tournament strong, with two rounds of par or better. She birdied the 18th to help secure the team lead. Meanwhile, Alicia Bellendir also contributed, making an eagle on the 18th to help maintain the Bulldogs’ advantage as Whateley finished her final hole with a par. Ines Belchior, competing individually, finished 10 strokes behind after shooting rounds of 78, 69, and 76.

Mississippi State will next compete at its annual home event, The Ally, at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, starting October 5. Live scoring will be available online.

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