Harrisonburg, Va. – The Southern Virginia University women's golf team overcame challenging conditions and a difficult opening round to claim its third consecutive team title at the 2026 Bridgewater College Invitational at Lakeview Golf Club. Freshman Indie Taylor led the Knights individually, capturing first place in her collegiate tournament debut.
Southern Virginia entered the final round in third place after a challenging opening day that featured two lightning delays and approximately eight hours on the course. The Knights struggled early and made several mistakes throughout the opening round, finishing the day at +33.
The team responded with a strong start to the second round despite wet and rainy conditions. Southern Virginia's A-Team carded a 306 (+14) to finish at +47 for the tournament, moving into first place and securing the team title by two strokes over Marymount University.
"I'm very impressed with how the girls turned it over today," said Southern Virginia women's golf head coach Lea Garner. "The first round was a test mentally and physically. They made adjustments and came out strong today and kept steady the whole round."
Taylor, a freshman from Eagle, Idaho, led the charge with a 79 (+6) in the opening round before firing a 1-under 72 in the final round to finish at +5 and claim medalist honors. Taylor recorded four birdies in the final round and seven throughout the tournament.
"I'm thrilled for Indie for winning her first ever collegiate tournament," Garner said. "She had her putter going this last round that helped her have some great par saves and make four birdies. Excited for what her and the team can do this year."
Senior CC Banz also delivered a strong performance, finishing tied for fifth at +11 after carding a 79 (+6) in the opening round and a 77 (+5) on day two. Junior Lexi Leavitt finished ninth overall at +14, opening with an 83 (+10) before firing a 77 (+4) in the final round to help secure the team championship.
Madi Frisby rounded out the Knights' A-Team with a 14th-place finish, highlighted by a 79 (+6) in the second round.
Addison Branham finished 18th at +24, while Karlie Christensen tied for 19th at +27 while competing as an individual. Anna Umbrell finished 25th at +31, Bailey Blair placed tied for 34th at +46, and Rylee Reinbold rounded out the Knights' individual competitors with a 32nd-place finish at +40.
Southern Virginia will return to action at the Anita Hobson Invitational in Portsmouth, Virginia, on Monday, Sept. 28, and Tuesday, Sept. 29, for another 36-hole tournament.
For continued coverage of Southern Virginia University golf, visit knightathletics.com or follow @knightwgolf on Instagram.
