BILLINGS, Mont. – The Seattle Pacific University women's golf team competed at the Yellowjacket Fall Invitational on Monday and Tuesday, where Lauren Lee finished fifth individually, leading the Falcons to third-place in the tournament.
 
FROM THE COACH
"Although our team scores were a little higher than we anticipated, we had an awesome tournament," head coach Tyler Copp said. "It's our best finish ever in a tournament, and I'm proud of how hung around Rocky Mountain (NAIA) and MSU Billings. Two very good programs. It's a big step forward for our program once again."

"Lauren Lee had a fantastic tournament," Copp said. "She was right in the mix to win it all thanks to some really good iron play all week. She continues to show what a great player she is in our region."
 
"Natalie Eklund's round one effort was excellent," Copp said. "She strung together a lot of pars and a pair of back-to-back birdies, including a chip-in. Minus one hole in round two, she stayed very consistent, avoiding big numbers and playing her game."

"Zoe Garcia bounced back very nicely in round two," Copp said. "She carded 13 pars and 5 bogeys and was very steady. As she sharpens a thing or two in her game, she will post some low numbers very soon."
 
"High 70's rounds in windy conditions with tucked pins felt very low," Copp added. "Those three really performed. We have a team score average of 310.5 after four competitive rounds. That's a massive jump from where we were at 6 months."
 
TOP FINISHERS FOR THE FALCONS

• Lee was consistent for the Falcons, finishing tied for fifth at 11 over for the two-round tournament.
  • She shot a 77 in round one and a 78 in round two.
• Eklund finished eighth overall by going 14 over for the tournament.
  • Eklund shot a 78 in round one and an 80 in round two.
• Garcia joined Lee and Eklund in the top 10 with a ninth-place finish.
  • She shot an 82 on day one and a 77 on day two.

ON THE SCORECARD

• Lee scored par or better on 27 of the 36 holes played in the tournament.
  • She finished her round with a birdie on 18 in round two.
• Eklund's tournament featured three birdies, highlighted by a chip-in on 15 in round one.
• Garcia finished the front nine of the first round one over par, thanks to back-to-back birdies on holes three and four.

AS A TEAM

• The Falcons finished third at the Yellowjacket Fall Invitational, the best team finish in a two-round tournament in program history.

UP NEXT
The Falcons host Saint Martin's in a dual match on Saturday at Druids Glen Golf Course in Covington, Wash.

SPU SOCIAL
• X - @SPUSports
• Instagram - @SPUSports & @SPUWGolf
• Facebook - /SPUSports