EKU Women’s Golf Triumphs in Season Opener, Tucker Shines

Eastern Kentucky University’s women’s golf team just kicked off their season with a win at the Redbird Invitational. For both the team and individual players, this victory feels like a big deal.

Karra Tucker, who hails from Madisonville, Kentucky, really stood out by grabbing her first collegiate tournament win. The Colonels pulled off a comeback, overcoming a five-shot deficit in the final round and edging out the University of South Dakota by a single stroke.

EKU’s win highlights the team’s competitive spirit. It also hints at a bright future for these talented golfers.

EKU’s Triumph at the Redbird Invitational

The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) women’s golf team started their season strong by winning the Redbird Invitational. The two-day, 54-hole event took place at the Weibring Golf Club, where the Colonels finished with a three-round total of 879 (+15).

This win stands out since it’s the program’s first team title since the 2021-22 season. That’s not something you see every year.

Overcoming the Odds

EKU entered the last round trailing by five shots. The team really dug deep and carded an even-par round of 288.

With three holes left, they managed to tie with South Dakota. Over those final three holes, EKU found just enough to finish one shot ahead, leaving South Dakota in second at 880 (+16).

Karra Tucker’s Stellar Performance

Karra Tucker’s individual win was a real highlight. The sophomore from Madisonville started the final round tied for second at even-par 144 after 36 holes.

She hit a rough patch with an early bogey on her third hole but bounced right back. Tucker birdied the par-3 No. 7 and then eagled the par-4 No. 8.

She kept the momentum going with two more birdies over the next five holes, reaching 4-under for the round. That kind of rally is just fun to watch.

Tucker’s Winning Strategy

Tucker kept things steady and precise in the final round. She wrapped up with seven pars over the last eight holes.

Her three-round total of 213 put her three shots under par and three ahead of Catie Nekola from South Dakota. It’s Tucker’s first individual title, and the first for any EKU golfer since 2021-22.

Team Effort and Individual Contributions

Tucker’s win was big, but the whole EKU squad stepped up. Mary Keene Marrs, from Lexington, helped push EKU to the top with a final round 1-under 71, tying for 17th at 225.

Imogen Jessen finished strong with a 1-over 73, tying for seventh at 221. Newcomer Lanie Campbell made a splash too, tying for fifth overall with 220.

Key Performances

• Karra Tucker: 74-70-69 – 213
• Lanie Campbell: 72-73-75 – 220
• Imogen Jessen: 76-72-73 – 221
• Mary Keene Marrs: 77-77-71 – 225
• Maddi-Jo Benton: 80-83-77 – 240
• Elizabeth Tucci (Individual): 77-78-76 – 231

Looking Ahead

With a win like this to start the season, the EKU women’s golf team seems set for more good things. Head coach Mandy Moore sounded genuinely excited and proud, pointing out how much work and grit the players showed out there.

Coach’s Perspective

*I’m so happy for this team and our program to start the season off with a team and an individual win,* said Moore. *Karra had been working so hard and she played very steady this week and really deserves this win.*

*The team really hung in there the last two rounds. I loved seeing the grit that they have and how they kept fighting for pars and birdies. We had a few clutch ones coming down the stretch. It was fun watching them pull for each other and work toward the same goal.*

The EKU women’s golf team just pulled off a big win at the Redbird Invitational. Their talent and hard work really showed out there.

Karra Tucker snagged an individual victory, which says a lot about what she and the whole team might pull off next. If you’re curious about the details, the full article is here.