By Lohan Sutton
The No. 17-ranked Tennessee women’s golf team placed second this week in the Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C.
The Lady Vols went into Tuesday’s round with the 36-hole lead. The charge was led by Tennessee senior Manassanan Chotikabhukkana, junior Sofie Engeseth, and sophomore Kyra Van Kan. After a hard-fought final round, the Lady Vols would be ousted by a strong Ole Miss finish.
Top Teams:
1. Ole Miss, -18
2. Tennessee, -16
3. Florida, -9
4. UCF, -4
5. Clemson, -3
Van Kan had a strong performance in round one, carding five birdies and only one double on her way to shoot 68. Van Kan finished out the tournament with all three of her rounds scoring under par.
Engeseth had the team’s low round with a 4-under during round two. Engeseth would go on to finish tied for fifth place in the tournament with teammate Van Kan at 6-under.
This tournament marked the Volunteer debut of two freshmen. The 2024 Solheim Cup participant Madison Messimer and the two-time Thailand National Team member Thitikarn Tapasit.
Lady Vol Results:
T5. Kyra Van Kan, -6
T5. Sofie Engeseth, -6
T25. Thitkarn Thapasit, E
T28. Manassanan Chotikabhukkana, +1
T42. Madison Messimer, +4
Head coach Diana Cantú is entering her fifth season with the Lady Vols. This runner-up finish in the opening tournament is an addition to Cantú’s legacy on Rocky Top.
Next up for the Lady Vols is the Canadian Collegiate Invitational at Beacon Hall Golf Club, Sept. 22-23.