MAC Championship success in Akron
The Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team delivered a powerful performance at the 2026 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships, held April 26-28 on the Fazio Course at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. The Eagles finished as the runner-up for the eighth time in program history, securing their best conference finish since 2015.
Record-breaking team and individual totals
Over the three-day event, Eastern shot a total of 13-over 853 (281-290-282), which stands as the best score in a MAC Championship event for the program and the second-best 54-hole score in program history. This performance shattered the team's previous MAC tournament record by 43 strokes, marking the first time the Eagles shot 299 or lower in all three rounds of the conference event.
Leading the charge was Savannah de Bock, who earned MAC All-Tournament honors with a third-place individual finish. De Bock’s even-par 210 (68-70-72) broke the EMU record for the lowest 54-hole score in a MAC Championship, a record previously held by Sarah Johnson. Two other Eagles joined her in the top 10: Baiyok Sukterm, who tied for sixth with a 2-over 212, and Janae Leovao, who tied for ninth at 4-over 214. This marked only the fifth time in program history that Eastern saw three players finish in the top 10 at the same MAC Championship. Jasmine Leovao also contributed significantly, tying for 12th with a 7-over 217.
A historic leap: Regional bound
Following their strong showing in the MAC, the Eagles gathered at the GameAbove Golf Performance Center on April 29 to watch the NCAA Women’s Golf Selection Show. For the first time in the program’s history, Eastern Michigan was selected as a team to compete in the NCAA Regionals.
The Tallahassee selection
The Eagles earned an at-large bid and were named the No. 5 seed in the Tallahassee Regional, which will be contested May 11-13 at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club in Tallahassee, Florida. This selection highlights the team's ascent into the national top 30, maintaining a high enough ranking to secure a berth without the automatic bid that went to conference champion Kent State.
Head Coach Josh Brewer expressed immense pride in the selection, noting the joy it brought to the university community. Brewer emphasized that while the program had spoken boldly about its vision, achieving this milestone turned words into reality. The Eagles are one of two MAC schools to receive a bid, a testament to the growth of "Northern Golf".
Strategic outlook for the Tallahassee regional
Eastern Michigan enters the Tallahassee Regional with a distinct advantage: they have already played the host course this season.
Familiarity with the Seminole legacy
During the Florida State Match Up in March, the Eagles finished in second place on the same course with a 4-over 868. Savannah de Bock noted that while the team is confident in their ability to play the course, they must remain cautious and "not get too comfortable".
The Tallahassee Regional features a 12-team field, including top-seeded Florida, Wake Forest, UCLA, and host Florida State. The Eagles have a 6-2-0 record against teams in their regional field this season, including two major wins over UCLA. To advance to the NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, California, Eastern must finish in the top five of the regional standings.
Veteran leadership and team chemistry
While this is the first team appearance for the program, the roster and coaching staff bring significant postseason experience.
A culture of experience and support
- Coach Josh Brewer: Previously led the University of Georgia to 10 regional appearances and three victories.
- Savannah de Bock: Competed as an individual at the 2025 NCAA Columbus Regional and previously at the 2024 NCAA Auburn Regional with Georgia.
- Janae and Jasmine Leovao: Both twins have multiple years of NCAA Regional experience from their previous careers at Long Beach State.
The players credit their success to a supportive team culture and the resources provided by GameAbove. Jasmine Leovao noted that having "a built-in best friend" in her sister and the world-class facilities at EMU have been instrumental in their journey. As they head to Florida, the team's focus remains on their mental toughness and process, aiming to continue rewriting the history of Eastern Michigan women's golf.
