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Four Lady Vols Place Inside Top 20 At Tennessee Spring Challenge
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — April 7, 2025 — The Tennessee women’s golf team closed out the Tennessee Spring Challenge on a high note this week, with four Lady Vols finishing inside the top 20 in a strong showing at their home event. The tournament, held at the picturesque Cherokee Country Club, featured some of the top collegiate golf programs in the nation, but it was the consistency and depth of the Lady Vols lineup that turned heads.
Led by senior standout Lauren Waller, Tennessee secured a fourth-place team finish, just narrowly missing out on a podium spot. Waller’s composed performance over three days placed her in a tie for sixth overall, the highest finish of any Lady Vol in the event. Close behind her were teammates Madison Hayes, Emma Yang, and Sophie DeWitt, who all found themselves inside the top 20, helping solidify Tennessee’s momentum heading into postseason play.
Lauren Waller’s Veteran Poise
In her final home appearance as a Lady Vol, Lauren Waller put on a display of consistency and calm under pressure. The senior carded rounds of 70, 73, and 71 to finish at even par for the tournament. Her approach play was particularly sharp, as she led the field in greens in regulation on Day 2 and made timely birdies down the stretch in her final round.
“It was really emotional, knowing this was my last tournament at home,” Waller said. “But I just wanted to stay present and give everything I had for the team. We’ve worked hard all season, and it feels good to see it paying off.”
Head coach Diana Cantú praised Waller’s leadership and her ability to deliver in big moments.
“Lauren has been the heart and soul of this team,” Cantú said. “She plays with passion, but she also brings a calm that the other girls feed off of. Her finish this week was no surprise—she’s been locked in.”
Hayes and Yang Stay Solid
Sophomore Madison Hayes, one of Tennessee’s breakout stars this season, continued her ascent with a strong showing. Her rounds of 73, 72, and 74 earned her a share of 13th place at +3 for the tournament. Hayes showcased her shot-making ability throughout the week, including a clutch eagle on the par-5 9th hole in round two that helped vault her up the leaderboard.
Hayes’ steady play was matched by freshman Emma Yang, who quietly put together one of her best performances of the year. The newcomer from California posted rounds of 75, 70, and 75 to also finish in a tie for 16th. Her second-round 70 was particularly impressive, featuring four birdies and zero bogeys.
“Emma’s development has been fantastic,” Cantú said. “She’s gaining confidence with every round, and I think she’s going to be a real force for us in the future.”
DeWitt Rounds Out the Top 20 Effort
Junior Sophie DeWitt rounded out the Vols’ quartet in the top 20 with a tie for 19th, posting rounds of 72, 76, and 74. DeWitt played her best golf on the back nine all weekend, including a closing birdie on the 18th in the final round that brought cheers from the home crowd.
DeWitt’s ability to grind out tough pars and avoid big numbers helped her remain in contention throughout. “I wasn’t striking it as well as I’d like,” she admitted, “but I stayed patient and kept my short game sharp. It means a lot to contribute to the team’s success.”
Team Results and Takeaways
The Lady Vols finished fourth overall in the team standings, behind first-place LSU, second-place Texas A&M, and third-place Virginia. Tennessee’s team score of +8 was their second-lowest of the spring season and showed significant improvement from earlier in the year.
Coach Cantú expressed pride in the team’s overall performance.
“This was a very competitive field, and we held our own,” Cantú said. “To have four players finish inside the top 20 is a testament to our depth and the hard work these young women have put in. We’re in a good place heading into the SEC Championships.”
Tennessee was particularly strong in the par-5 scoring category, ranking second in the field in par-5 average at 4.80 strokes. That stat reflects their aggressive but smart approach to scoring opportunities.
Eyeing the SEC Championships
With the Tennessee Spring Challenge behind them, the Lady Vols now turn their attention to the SEC Women’s Golf Championship, scheduled for next week at Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. The event will feature elite programs such as South Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida—all of whom will pose a challenge for the Lady Vols.
Still, with momentum on their side and the lineup firing on all cylinders, there’s a growing belief within the program that Tennessee can make noise in the postseason.
“Every week, we’ve gotten a little bit better,” Waller said. “If we keep playing our game and stay confident, we can compete with anyone.”
Coach Cantú emphasized the importance of staying grounded.
“We’re excited about the SECs, but we know it’s going to take our best golf,” she said. “This week was a great step forward, but we’ve got more work to do.”
Building Momentum and Chemistry
Beyond the scores, one of the most encouraging signs from the Tennessee Spring Challenge was the chemistry and camaraderie evident among the Lady Vols. The team could be seen walking together between holes, celebrating birdies with fist bumps, and providing emotional support during difficult stretches.
“We’re like a family,” DeWitt said. “We push each other, but we also lift each other up. That’s what makes this team special.”
That unity, combined with strong individual performances, could prove to be the X-factor as Tennessee eyes both conference and national success.
Standout Stats and Highlights
- Lauren Waller finished the event with 10 birdies, tied for third-most in the field.
- Emma Yang led the Lady Vols in par-3 scoring average at 2.92.
- Sophie DeWitt was 6-under par on the back nine across three rounds.
- The team collectively shot under par in Round 2, their best single-round team performance this spring.
Closing Thoughts
As the spring season nears its climax, the Tennessee women’s golf team is peaking at just the right time. With four players inside the top 20, the Lady Vols showed they’re more than just a one-star squad—they’re a well-rounded team with balance, experience, and youthful energy.
The Tennessee Spring Challenge offered a glimpse of what this group is capable of when everything clicks. With postseason play just around the corner, the Lady Vols are embracing the moment—and each other.
“We’ve got something special here,” said Hayes. “And we’re just getting started.”
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