The Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team made a definitive statement this past week in California, proving they can compete with, and beat, some of the premier programs in the country. Facing a field stacked with nationally ranked powerhouses, the No. 33 ranked Eagles claimed a stunning second-place finish at the Alice and John Wallace Invitational, held Feb. 14-16.
Played at the Monterey Country Club in Palm Desert, Calif., the tournament saw the Eagles navigate the challenging par-71, 6,108-yard course to finish with a team total of 9-over 861 (294-285-282). The No. 2 ranked University of Southern California took the top spot at 17-under.
Elite competition and record-breaking rounds
The Eagles did more than just place well; they also placed ahead several top-15 programs. EMU finished nine strokes ahead of No. 11 ranked UCLA, who took third, and thirteen strokes clear of No. 10 ranked Vanderbilt, who finished fifth. Other notable teams trailing the Eagles included California and San Jose State.
The team’s final round was a display of their consistency. Eastern tied USC for the lowest final-round team score, carding a 2-under 282. This score tied for the second-lowest single round in the history of EMU women’s golf. Their second-round 285 also etched its name in the record books, tying for the sixth-best round in program history.
The Leovao twins lead the charge
Individually, the charge was led by the Leovao Twins, Janae and Jasmine, who both returned to their home state of California to deliver elite performances. Both players finished in a tie for fourth place with Even-par totals of 213.
Janae Leovao, currently ranked No.80 nationally, posted a spectacular second-round 67. Her sister, No. 73-ranked Jasmine Leovao, saved her best for last, firing a 3-under 68 in the final round.
Their fourth-place finish was particularly impressive given the caliber of the field. Both sisters finished ahead of nine individuals ranked higher than them.
Depth and freshman excellence
One of the most promising takeaways from the tournament was the team's depth. All five Eagles in the field finished in the top 21 individually. Savannah de Bock earned her third top-10 finish of the season, tying for 10th place at 3-over 216. Her performance placed her ahead of 11 players ranked in the national top 150.
The team’s freshmen also rose to the occasion. Ammy Raemmuang and Matilde Zocchi both tied for 21st place with 8-over 221. For both rookies, these scores represented new collegiate career lows for 54 holes. Raemmuang shaved one stroke off her previous best set in Hawai'i, while Zocchi remarkably improved her personal best by five strokes.
Statistically dominant play
The Eagles’ success was rooted in disciplined, consistent golf avoiding major mistakes. As a team, EMU ranked second in total pars (187) and had the second-fewest bogeys in the entire field (48). Most impressively, the Eagles tied with the tournament champions, USC, for the fewest doubles bogeys or worse holes, carding only two across the entire three-day event.
What’s next?
This performance marks only the third time in program history that Eastern Michigan has carded a 54-hole score of 870 or lower, with all three instances occurring this season.
The Eagles will remain in California for their next challenge. On March 9-10, they will head to Rolling Hills Estates to co-host the inaugural GameAbove Golf Invitational alongside USC. If this past week was any indication, the Eagles are no longer just participants in elite tournaments—they are legitimate contenders for the title.
