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Lady Vols Golf Looking Toward SECs After 4th-Place Finish at Tennessee Spring Challenge
In a season filled with steady progress and flashes of brilliance, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers golf team took another step forward with a solid fourth-place finish at the Tennessee Spring Challenge. The event, hosted at the picturesque Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, served not only as a strong performance on home soil but also as a vital tune-up for the upcoming SEC Women’s Golf Championship.
With the postseason looming large, the Lady Vols’ showing proved they are peaking at the right time. Led by a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars, the team’s blend of consistency, competitiveness, and composure was on full display throughout the three-day tournament.
Strong Individual Showings Fuel Team Finish
The Lady Vols carded a team score of 872 (+8), finishing just behind nationally ranked Florida, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. While not hoisting the trophy, the team’s performance showed depth and resilience — two critical components for success at the SEC Championships.
Junior standout Abby Kauffman led the way for Tennessee, finishing tied for sixth individually with rounds of 71-72-70, totaling a 213 (−3). Kauffman’s ability to stay under par across all three rounds was a bright spot for head coach Diana Cantú, who praised her poise and control under pressure.
“Abby has really come into her own this season,” Cantú said. “She’s been working hard on her short game, and we saw that pay off with some key up-and-downs that kept her rounds together. She’s playing like a leader, and we’ll need that at SECs.”
Sophomore Sara Johnson also impressed, tying for 13th after shooting 70-74-72 (216, Even). Johnson’s aggressive play on the par-5s gave her a boost throughout the tournament, as she racked up eight birdies and an eagle across the three rounds. Freshman phenom Emma Lee added a solid 219 (+3), showing maturity beyond her years and securing a tie for 21st place.
“Having three players finish in the top 25 at a strong field like this gives us confidence,” Cantú added. “We’ve been emphasizing team play and keeping mistakes minimal, and they’re starting to buy into that mindset.”
A Deeper Look at the Numbers
The Lady Vols led the tournament in par-3 scoring average (3.02) and finished second in total birdies with 46. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident, but so too was their mental toughness in navigating a tricky layout under changing weather conditions.
Cherokee Country Club, a course known for its sloping greens and demanding approach shots, was not forgiving. Winds picked up on Day 2, which led to elevated scores across the board. Tennessee, however, held steady with a team score of 291, the third-best of the round. That steadiness amid adversity bodes well for the high-stakes pressure of SECs.
“We talk a lot about staying present,” said assistant coach Allyson Geer-Park. “Our girls embraced that this week — they played each shot with intent, stayed focused, and didn’t let a bad hole spiral into a bad round.”
Another key stat: Tennessee had the second-highest greens-in-regulation percentage (68%) among the 15-team field. That level of ball-striking efficiency could prove vital against the best of the best in the SEC.
The Road to the SEC Championships
With their regular season campaign wrapped, the Lady Vols now set their sights on the SEC Women’s Golf Championship, which tees off April 12 at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. The format, which includes three rounds of stroke play followed by match play among the top eight teams, is designed to reward both depth and grit.
Tennessee currently ranks No. 32 in the Golfstat team rankings and will likely need a strong showing in the SECs to lock in a favorable seeding for the NCAA Regionals. That pressure, however, isn’t fazing this group.
“Honestly, we welcome the challenge,” said Kauffman. “We’ve played a tough schedule all year, and we know we can hang with the top teams. It’s just about putting three solid rounds together and trusting our games.”
Coach Cantú echoed that sentiment, noting how the team’s experience in close competitions throughout the year has hardened them for what lies ahead.
“We’ve been in the mix at several events this spring,” Cantú said. “What we learned is that it often comes down to two or three shots. So every putt matters, every decision matters. If we stay disciplined and lean on our preparation, we can compete with anyone.”
Developing a Winning Culture
While a fourth-place finish may not raise headlines, the Tennessee Spring Challenge showcased how far the Lady Vols program has come under Cantú’s leadership. The team’s culture — built on accountability, trust, and relentless work — is starting to bear fruit.
Off the course, the coaching staff has emphasized building mental toughness through sports psychology sessions and structured team bonding activities. That cohesion has translated into better communication and support during competition.
“The chemistry is really strong right now,” said Johnson. “We play for each other. When one of us is struggling, someone else steps up. That’s what makes this team special.”
Recruiting has also played a key role in the team’s upward trajectory. With players like Lee showing early promise and more top-100 recruits expected to arrive this fall, the future looks bright for Tennessee women’s golf.
“This is just the beginning,” Cantú said. “We want to build a program that competes at the highest level year in and year out. The SEC is the toughest conference in women’s golf, but we’re proving we belong in that conversation.”
What’s Next
The Lady Vols will have a short break before heading to Birmingham for SECs, where they will face elite programs like LSU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M. All eyes will be on whether Tennessee can put together the kind of complete performance that could propel them into NCAA Regional play with momentum.
For now, they’re focusing on the fundamentals: refining short games, managing course strategy, and sharpening the mental edge that has brought them to this point.
“We’re not satisfied with fourth place,” said Lee. “We want to win. But we know that process takes time — and we’re headed in the right direction.”
As the postseason beckons, the Lady Vols appear ready for the moment. With a mix of experience, youthful energy, and belief in each other, Tennessee women’s golf is no longer just building. They’re contending.
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