The University of Miami golf team grabbed a first-place finish after a superb performance at the Mercedes Benz Collegiate in Knoxville, Tenn. This is the Hurricanes’ first victory since winning back-to-back tournaments almost a year ago.
A 54-hole score of 862 (+10) on the par-71, 5,965-yard course was enough to give the ’Canes a five-stroke lead and crown them champions.
An incredible shot from freshman Cloe Amion Villarino set the tone for Miami. She hit an unbelievable hole-in-one on a par-three, 183-yard hole during the second day of the tournament and finished the event with a score of 215 (+2), placing in seventh.
Tied with her for seventh place was sophomore Rebekah Gardner, who shot two under par on the final day to jump up seven spots and achieve her highest collegiate finish.
Three ’Canes tied for 18th place, helping Miami secure five top-20 finishes for the first time all season. Junior Olivia Grønborg, sophomore Barbora Bujáková and freshman Sofie Hlinomazová each shot 218 (+5).
Junior Katie Carman participated as an individual and finished tied for 68th with a score of 243 (+30).
The home team, Tennessee, finished tied for second with Campbell (867, +15) while UCF was two shots behind in third place (869, +17).
The Hurricanes will be looking for another win next week when they host the 2024 Hurricane Invitational at the Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, Fla.