Auburn Women’s Golf Opens Spring with Statement Win at UCF Challenge
ORLANDO, Fla. - Auburn women’s golf came out of the gates swinging to start their spring schedule, and they didn’t miss. The No. 7-ranked Tigers put together a wire-to-wire performance at the UCF Challenge, capturing the team title with a 54-hole total of 840 (-24) at Eagle Creek Golf Club. And they didn’t stop there - senior Katie Cranston grabbed the individual crown, posting a career-best 9-under 207 to win by a single shot.
“Love starting the season with a team and individual win,” said head coach Melissa Luellen. And it’s easy to see why.
Auburn looked locked in from the first tee, executing their game plan with precision despite some tough conditions. Cranston, in particular, was steady as they come - unshaken by wind or cold, and laser-focused from start to finish.
Cranston’s win wasn’t just a milestone - it was a masterclass in consistency. She fired three straight rounds of 69 (-3), tying for the most birdies in the field with 13 and going 6-under on the par 5s. That kind of balanced, mistake-free golf is what separates the good from the great, and Cranston just elevated herself into the latter category with her first collegiate victory.
But this wasn’t a one-woman show. Auburn’s depth continues to be one of its biggest strengths, and it showed again in Orlando.
The Tigers finished four shots clear of second-place Mississippi State, thanks to balanced scoring across the lineup. They opened with an 8-under round, followed it up with a 10-under second round, and closed strong at 6-under.
That’s the kind of consistency that wins tournaments - and championships.
One of the standout performances came from Molly Brown Davidson, who notched her best finish of the season with a 7-under 209, good for a tie for fourth. She opened with a 69, caught fire in round two with a 68, and kept things steady with an even-par 72 on the final day. It’s the kind of progression you want to see from a player rounding into form as the season heats up.
Freshman Charlotte Cantonis continues to prove she belongs on the big stage. She notched her third top-10 finish of the season, tying for 10th at 5-under 211.
Her final round was especially impressive - a 68 that included four straight birdies from holes 13 through 16. That kind of closing stretch speaks to her poise and potential, even this early in her college career.
Anna Davis also turned in a solid showing. She opened with a 69, followed it up with a 71, and finished with a 73 to land at 3-under 213, tying for 14th. Carys Worby was steady throughout, carding three straight rounds of 73 to finish tied for 35th at 3-over.
Even Auburn’s individual competitors made some noise. Sophomore Anne Fernandez posted a second-round 69 on her way to an even-par 216 and a tie for 17th. Freshman Frances Brown finished tied for 61st at 224 (+8), gaining valuable experience as she continues to develop.
This win marks Auburn’s third team title of the season, joining their earlier victories at the Canadian Collegiate Invitational and the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational. With this kind of momentum and depth, the Tigers are shaping up to be a serious contender as the spring season unfolds.
Next up: the Moon Golf Invitational, set for Feb. 15-17 at Suntree Country Club in Melbourne, Florida. If Auburn keeps playing like this, the rest of the field better bring their A-game.