JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Charleston Southern women's golf team had a strong start to the 2024 spring season this week, as they placed third in the San Jose Intercollegiate hosted by Jacksonville University in Florida.

There were 15 teams total in the tournament played at San Jose Country Club. Coastal Carolina took home first place, Campbell, former Big South rival, took home second place. 

Katie Stephens finished with the best score overall for the Buccaneers with a total score of 219 which was tied for third overall in the field. Her first round was her best one, as she shot a 71. She shot a 75 in round two and 73 in round three. 

Also finishing near the top of the standings was Eugenie Varet, who finished with a total score of 223. She also scored a 71 in round one but finished with a 74 and a 78 in rounds two and three. Madison Freeman and Odette Font both scored a 224, and Caroline Engelbredt had a 231. 

"This was a solid start for our spring," said Head Coach Chan Metts. "In the last round, we put ourselves in a position to play for a win, which is always a positive no matter what kind of week it is. Learning from these experiences of getting close and coming up short is the most important thing to me because the more we can learn, the more prepared we will be next time." 

The Bucs will begin preparing for the Rivertowne Invitational on Feb. 26-27 in Charleston. It will be the only tournament that the team will host for the spring season.