BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – The Shocker women's golf team will conclude their spring regular season in the ORU Spring Invitational, beginning on April 8 at The Club at Indian Springs.
 
The Shockers are looking to improve from a 14th place finish in the Red Rocks Invitational three weeks ago in Sedona, Arizona, where Shockers compiled a score of 907, 43 strokes over-par.
 
This trip to Broken, Arrow will mark the fourth straight season the Shockers have competed in this tournament. In their past trips, the Shockers have notched a pair of sixth place finishes, and a series-best 4th place finish in 2021.
 
In addition to the Shocker five, Sarah Lawson will make the trip to Sedona and compete as an individual.
 
Fast Facts – ORU Spring Invitational
Dates: Monday-Tuesday, Apr. 8-9, 2024
Host: Oral Roberts
Location: Broken Arrow, Okla. (The Club at Indian Springs)
Yardage: 6,376
Par: 71
Format: 54 Holes (36 first day, 18 second day)
Live Scoring: Golfstat
The Field – 13 Teams: Team (Clippd College Golf Team Ranking)
New Mexico JC (NJCAA #4), Abilene Christian (112), Oral Roberts (113), Northern Illinois (141), Missouri State (175), Wichita State (179), Northern Colorado (185), UT-Arlington (191), Tarleton State (194) Drake (205), Texas A&M Commerce (208), Stephen F. Austin (235), Redlands Community College (NJCAA #12)
 
Shocker Five in Broken Arrow:
Kate Tilma (So.) – Transfer from Kansas State…Competed in all four fall tournaments...Posted the Shocker's only top-5 individual finish of the fall at Payne Stewart Memorial...Second most birdies on team with 29...One of three Shockers to post multiple top-20 finishes in the fall…Finished t-5th at Rio Verde Invitational on February 26.
 
Brooklyn Benn (So.) -- Appearing in the lineup for the fourth time this season and competing in fifth tournament…Posted season best 18-hole score of 74 in round two of Diamante Intercollegiate on October 23.
 
Mackenzie Wilson (So.) -- Second year Shocker playing in eighth tournament of the season… Competed in all four fall tournaments as a sophomore...Led team in stroke average (73.2) and birdies (34)...Recorded lowest 18-hole score (68) and 54-hole score (212) of any Shocker in the fall, those scores are also her new career lows...Her 212 54-hole score at Diamante was the second lowest in team history.
 
Lauren Thiele (R-Fr.) – Appearing in fifth tournament this season…Competed in two of four fall tournaments...Set personal season low 18-hole score of 76 at Big O Classic on Oct. 2...Finished t-15th in same tournament.
 
Madison Slayton (Sr.) -- Playing in 19th tournament as a Shocker… Set career lows for 18-hole and 54-hole scores in final fall tournament at Diamante Intercollegiate...Recorded first eagle of the season at Diamante Intercollegiate.
 
 
Coach McCurdy on…
 
…Kate Tilma:
"Kate has the ability to turn some par fives into par fours because of how long she can hit the ball. She also can carry some of the fairway bunkers that 90% of the tournament field is not going to be able to do. She's going to have a great advantage in that area and she's a great putter as well."
 
…Brooklyn Benn:
"Brooklyn had a really, really good qualifier going into this tournament. She has been working very hard and hitting the ball a lot better. She's playing with great confidence. I'm very excited that she's going to this golf course since she's seen it before and knows what to expect."
 
…Mackenzie Wilson:
"Mackenzie has such a great driver. She can work the ball both ways, has very good distance control with her irons, and she has a great competitive fire. I think she has the capability and potential to have a big breakthrough sometime soon."
 
…Lauren Thiele
"Lauren has made some adjustments to her golf game after playing in her first collegiate tournament earlier this year. She's a great ball-striker, very disciplined, and she's a great competitor."
 
…Madison Slayton
"I've seen some really good things out of Madison so far this spring in qualifying. I'm really excited to see her play this golf course. I think she could do really well down here."
 
Next Up
The Shockers return home briefly before heading to the Sunshine State to compete in the American Athletic Conference Championship beginning on April 15 in Brooksville, Florida at Southern Hills Plantation Club.