GREENVILLE, S.C. – The opening Jacksonville University women's golf tournament under first-year head coach Jessica Welch finished up Tuesday afternoon, with the Dolphins placing 12
th overall in the 2026 Pirate Collegiate Classic, hosted by East Carolina.
The Dolphins took to the grounds at the Greenville Country Club for the second consecutive year. JU was led by first-year Dolphin
Emma Wells, a transfer from Daytona State.
Wells spearheaded Jacksonville with a T38 showing. She opened her team debut with a one-under 35 on the front nine Monday morning, followed by a one-over back nine that featured two birdies. In the second round later that afternoon, she posted a five-over 77. After 36 holes, Wells was the leading Dolphin in the clubhouse at six over par.
On Tuesday, Wells shot a 74, the second-best final round score from the Dolphins' contingency. Returner
Hannah Lowery closed strong Tuesday afternoon, carding an eagle on the par-5 ninth hole and finishing with a 73. The sophomore ended her tournament run with a T57, 17-over par performance. Her one over Tuesday score was the best by a JU golfer.
Cambree Hodge, another Daytona State transfer, finished her first tournament as a 'Phin with a 55
th place finish. Hodge excelled during the second round on Monday, carding four birdies as part of a 74 afternoon score. Tuesday saw Hodge birdie three of the final six holes on the back nine.
The team's lone freshman
Abbie Justiz rounded out her first college tournament with a T68 performance. The rookie scored three birdies over the three rounds of play including two on Tuesday for a final score of 22 over.
As a group, Jacksonville had its best collective showing on Tuesday with a 14-over total score.
Next up for the 'Phins is a trip to Nashville to compete in The Robbie hosted by Lipscomb. Jacksonville takes to Temple Hill Golf Course Oct. 12-13.
COACH'S COMMENTS
"While we didn't get the results we might have wanted, there were definitely some positives that we can take from the week as well as some lessons that were learned," Welch said. "We'll use this as experience to influence our practice, come together stronger as a team and be ready in October for The Robbie."
