ELLICOTT CITY, Md. – Led by freshman Sanaa Carter, North Carolina Central finished third in the final round of the NEC Women's Golf Championship on Sunday, its highest finish since joining the conference as an associate member in 2022-23.

The Eagles bettered last year's fourth-place showing with a three-day score of 957 on the par 71 course layout at Turf Valley Resort. NCCU has steadily improved each year in the event since placing ninth in its first tournament in 2023.

Carter was impressive in her first appearance, placing sixth with a score of 230 to claim All-NEC Tournament honors for earning a top 10 finish. She led a talented Eagles' lineup that featured three golfers in the top 20.

Cailynn Winford and Aubree Clements were also stellar in the event. Winford tied for 14^th with a score of 240 and Clements tied for 16^th with a score of 241. Mya Smith also contributed, tying for 38^th with a score of 253 in the 75-player field.

Picked sixth in the NEC coaches' preseason poll, NCCU finished ahead of 10 teams in the 13-team field including Chicago State and Maryland Eastern Shore, which tied for fourth at 971. Long Island was sixth with a 973.

Howard captured the team title, edging runner-up Fairleigh Dickinson by two strokes. Marley Franklin of Howard claimed the individual crown.

NEXT UP
The Eagles will conclude their successful spring season at the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship in West Palm Beach, Fla., on May 4-6.
 
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