ORLANDO, Fla. – No. 7 Auburn women’s golf opened the spring portion of its schedule with a victory Tuesday, capturing the team title at the UCF Challenge with a 54-hole score of 840 (-24) at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. Auburn senior Katie Cranston claimed the individual title, carding a 9-under 207 to win by one stroke.
“Love starting the season with a team and individual win,” Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen said. “The mindset going out for three holes was ideal. They went out there with such a great plan and executed beautifully. Thrilled for Katie and her first win. She was unflappable mentally through wind and cold. Also had great showings from Molly and Charlotte with high finishes. Our team is so competitive, and it’s making everyone better.”
Cranston earned her first career collegiate victory with consistent play throughout the event, firing a 3-under 69 in all three rounds. She tied for the most birdies in the field with 13 and played the par 5s at 6-under. Her 207 (-9) also marked a career-low 54-hole score.
Our individual champion 🥇
— Auburn Women's Golf (@AuburnWGolf) January 27, 2026
Congrats to Katie Cranston for claiming her first collegiate win at the UCF Challenge! 🧻#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/epiHys7u30
As a team, Auburn won the event by four strokes over second-place Mississippi State. The Tigers shot 8-under in the opening round, 10-under in round two and closed with a 6-under final round. Auburn led the field in par-5 scoring at 23-under, eight strokes better than any other team, and totaled 45 birdies along with a pair of eagles.
Molly Brown Davidson recorded her best finish of the season, tying for fourth place at 7-under 209. She followed an opening-round 69 (-3) with a 4-under 68 in round two, then closed with an even-par 72 to secure a top-five finish.
Freshman Charlotte Cantonis earned her third top-10 finish of the season, tying for 10th place at 5-under 211. She finished strong with a final-round 68 (-4) that included four consecutive birdies on holes 13-16.
Anna Davis opened the tournament with a 3-under 69 before posting rounds of 71 (-1) and 73 (+1). Her 54-hole total of 213 (-3) placed her in a tie for 14th individually. Carys Worby carded rounds of 73 (+1) in all three rounds and finished tied for 35th at 219 (+3).
Competing as an individual, sophomore Anne Fernandez finished tied for 17th place at even-par 216, highlighted by a second-round 69 (-3). Freshman Frances Brown also played as an individual and finished tied for 61st at 224 (+8).
Auburn has now won three events this season: the Canadian Collegiate Invitational, the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational and the UCF Challenge.
The Tigers will return to action Feb. 15-17 at the Moon Golf Invitational at Suntree Country Club in Melbourne, Florida.
Auburn individuals:
|
Placement |
Player |
Round 1 Score |
Round 2 Score |
Final Round Score |
Total Score |
|
1 |
69 (-3) |
69 (-3) |
69 (-3) |
207 (-9) |
|
|
T4 |
69 (-3) |
68 (-4) |
72 (E) |
209 (-7) |
|
|
T10 |
73 (+1) |
70 (-2) |
68 (-4) |
211 (-5) |
|
|
T14 |
69 (-3) |
71 (-1) |
73 (+1) |
213 (-3) |
|
|
T17 |
Anne Fernandez (I) |
74 (+2) |
69 (-3) |
73 (+1) |
216 (E) |
|
T35 |
73 (+1) |
73 (+1) |
73 (+1) |
219 (+3) |
|
|
T61 |
79 (+7) |
70 (-2) |
75 (+3) |
224 (+8) |