By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – It was an impressive first day for the Tennessee Tech women's golf team at the Islander Classic, as the Golden Eagles opened the 2023 spring campaign with a top-five showing heading into the final round of competition at Corpus Christi Country Club. 

The purple and gold put together a collective score of 314 in the opening round in Corpus Christi, Texas, and followed it up with a second round of 322, posting a 636 to rank sixth among the 15 teams in competition. UTRGV paced the field with an impressive 617 with Houston Christian right behind at 621. HCU's Elise Parel led all individuals, posting a 72-77=149.

Senior Elisabeth Toennessen steered the ship for the Golden Eagles, tallying a 77 in the opening round with a pair of birdies. After shooting five shots above par on the front nine of round two, the Tech veteran rebounded with a trio of birdies on the back nine for a 3-over 75. Her total of 152 for the day tied her for third overall in the 80-player field.

Ranked next among the TTU participants, junior Ainsley Simms wrapped up the day tied for 14th after turning in a 158. She delivered a 3-over 75 with a pair of birdies to open the day before rounding out the action with an 83. 

Sophomore Reagan Stuke was consistent during the first two rounds, posting back-to-back scores of 82. Her 164 for the day tied her for 41st overall. Just one stroke back of her teammate, senior Gittle Sciolis rounded things up with a 165 following rounds of 83 and 82.

Making her collegiate debut and rounding out the Golden Eagle lineup was freshman Sydney Branson, finishing one shot behind Sciolis with a 166. The rookie carded an 80 in her first round in the purple and gold, collecting her first career birdie. She turned in another in the second round, concluding the day with an 86 to tie for 49th.

Tech will kick off Tuesday's third round with a shotgun start beginning at 8:30 a.m. CT. 

File photo by Emily Armstrong