LEDBETTER, Ky. — After entering the final round of the Drake Creek Invitational in a sixth-place tie with Western Kentucky, Tennessee Tech bested the Hilltoppers by nine strokes Tuesday morning to slide into sole possession of a sixth-place finish out of 10 schools at Murray State's home event.

Freshman Madalyn Everts shot a two-over 74 to lead the Golden Eagles in the final round. Tech posted a team score of 312 to finish the tournament 307-324-312=943.

Junior Katherine Bell was Tech's top finisher for the tournament, firing a first-round 74 and rounded out the event with a pair of 77s in the second and third rounds.

In Monday's first round, Tech was paced by Amber Shepherd, whose one-over 73 led the Golden Eagles and tie Shepherd's career low round — she also shot a 73 at the Great Smokies Collegiate last fall.

Everts was Tech's second finisher at Drake Creek, posting a 80-80-74=234, while sophomore Katy Beth Glover was third with an 80-81-77=238. Shepherd finished at 73-86-84=243 and junior Amanda Randolph shot 84-91-88=263.

Sophomore Brandy VanEtten was originally slated to play as one of Tech's five members, but was replaced by Glover prior to Monday's first round due to an illness. VanEtten withdrew from the tournament.

The Golden Eagles finished just six strokes out of fifth place and eight out of fourth, spots which were held down by Austin Peay (937) and Belmont (935) respectively.

Murray State took first place, posting an 890, while Morehead State finished second at 899 and Eastern Kentucky took third at 923. Western Kentucky (952), Lipscomb (983), Northern Kentucky (994) and Tennessee State (1056) rounded out the field.

Morehead State's Marisa Kamelgarn took medalist honors, shooting one-under for the tournament with a 71-73-71-215. Murray State's Morgan Cross finished four strokes back with a 74-70-75=219. Alexandra Lennartsson, also of Murray State, was third with a 73-70-78=221.

The Golden Eagle women return to action Monday, Sept. 19 and Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Great Smokies Invitational in Waynesville, N.C. The event will be hosted by Western Carolina.