RESULTS (PDF)

MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State women's golf launched a furious rally on the final day of the OVC Championship, finishing the tournament tied for 2nd, one shot behind the winner.

The Eagles had the lowest score of any team in round three, making up a seven stroke deficit and even held the lead for moments, but ultimately finished just shy of the conference championship.

"We played incredibly solid the last two days of the tournament, and I am very proud of how we fought until the very end today. Yesterday our team made up ground in the windy conditions, especially in the final six holes of the course, which can definitely make or break your day," head coach Stephanie Barker said. "We are excited and heartbroken at the same time to work our way into contention today, and then end up in 2nd. So we will build on this and set our sights for next year."

MacKenzie Neal led the charge for the Eagles, finishing second and garnering All-Tournament team honors. Neal fired a 73-70-74—217 throughout the event, and had the best scoring average in both par 3s and par 5s.

"We are excited for MacKenzie making the all-tournament team. MacKenzie works very hard and it is wonderful to see her efforts continuously pay off. She had a very strong tournament and is looking forward to next season as well," Barker added.

Olivia Hensley and Hailey Rietz finished tied for sixth and eight, respectively. Hensley carded a 78-75-73—226, had the third most pars in the tournament with 15 of her 37 pars coming on the final day. Rietz fashioned rounds of 80-73-74—227, and jump started her final round with a hole-in-one on the fifth hole.

"Today was really exciting to see Hailey make a hole-in-one on the fifth hole and then follow that up with a birdie on the sixth," said Barker.

Fifth-year Bridget Connolly wrapped up her collegiate career finishing tied for 12th, carding rounds of 76-83-73—232. Connolly finished the tournament with seven birdies, the second most on the team.

Hanna Montgomery rounded out the Eagles quintet, fashioning rounds of 84-86-83—253. The second place finish for both the Eagles and Neal was the best result at the OVC Championship for the program since 2012. "Everyone played great today and we gave it a good run. I am very proud of this team," Barker added.