March 11, 2025

Tech closes Chris Banister Golf Classic with strong third round

GLENCOE, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech women's golf team delivered a spectacular effort in the final round of action at the Chris Banister Golf Classic at RTJ Silver Lakes on Tuesday, carding the second-lowest round of the field to finish sixth overall.

By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

GLENCOE, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech women's golf team delivered a spectacular effort in the final round of action at the Chris Banister Golf Classic at RTJ Silver Lakes on Tuesday, carding the second-lowest round of the field to finish sixth overall.

The purple and gold pulled to within three strokes of a top-five finish, tallying a 304 to finish at 947 overall for the tournament. Richmond captured the crown, besting tournament host Jacksonville State by five shots with a final score of 923. Samford's Gabi Nicastro won individual medalist honors thanks to a 9-over 225.

A pair of Golden Eagles led the way for the week, with junior Kaydi Rhodes and sophomore Chloe Griffith both tying for 15th among the 43 golfers with scores of 236. Griffth delivered the top round for Tech on the final day, dropping in four birdies for a 1-over 73. Rhodes finished the event with a 79, backed by one birdie.

Just two shots back of her teammates, freshman Kailey Lane also turned in an impressive score for the day, rifling off a 3-over 75. Tying for 19th overall, the rookie totaled 238 while wrapping up the event with four more birdies.

Ranked 27th overall, senior Reagan Stuke produced a birdie while totaling 80 in round three and 242 for the event. Rounding out the Tech lineup, junior Sydney Branson collected a 77 with a birdie and 13 pars on Tuesday, finishing 30th in the field with a total of 244.

Competing as an individual, Cookeville native Lexus Julian concluded the three-day tournament with a round of 79 and a birdie, not to mention seven consecutive pars. The sophomore ranked 32nd after totaling 247 overall.

Next on the docket for the Golden Eagles is a trip to Morganton, N.C. and Mimosa Hills Country Club for the Mimosa Hills Intercollegiate. Hosted by App State, the two-day event will run from Monday, Mar. 31 through Tuesday, Apr. 1.

Top 5 Teams:
1.	Richmond	310-299-314=923	+59
2.	Jacksonville State	298-311-319=928	+64
3.	Samford	315-312-307=934	+70
4.	North Alabama	317-322-302=941	+77
5.	Murray State	313-317-314=944	+80
6.	Tennessee Tech	319-324-304=947	+83

Leaderboard (43 Golfers)
1.	Gabi Nicastro (Samford)	72-77-76=225	+9
T-15.	Kaydi Rhodes	77-80-79=236	+20
T-15.	Chloe Griffith	80-83-73=236	+20
T-19.	Kailey Lane	81-82-75=238	+22
27.	Reagan Stuke	81-81-80=242	+26
30.	Sydney Branson	86-81-77=244	+28
T-32.	Lexus Julian (I)	81-87-79=247	+31
(I) - indicates competing as an individual