Women's Golf Victorious at Clarke Spring Invite

GALENA, Ill. — Mount Mercy University claimed victory at the 2026 Clarke Women's Spring Invite, with Chiara Bothe leading the charge with a final score of 158. Gracie Murray and Lauren McPhillips-Newcomb followed closely, tying for second with scores of 163.

The Mustangs took home first place after shooting a team score of 659, which was 40 shots better than second place Clarke at 699. Loras rounded out the top three with a team score of 754.

Bothe spearheaded Mount Mercy's success, improving her performance from an 81 in the first round to a 77 in the second. Murray and McPhillips-Newcomb were neck and neck, each carding consistent rounds of 82 and 81, respectively, to finish tied for second.

Carli Irvine earned a commendable fifth place with a score of 175, while Kaitlin Hotchkiss, playing as an individual, tied for sixth with a score of 176. Rounding out the top-10 for the Mustangs was Kyla Johnson, who tied for tenth place with a score of 180. The invite clearly highlighted the Mustangs' depth, with several players finishing among the top ranks.

The Mustangs will next return to the course at the Mustang Spring Invite, hosting the tournament at Brown Deer GC in Coralville.