The University of North Alabama women’s golf team is set for a crucial final test before postseason play, heading to Georgia for the Houston Lake Invitational. With momentum building and familiar rivals in the field, the Lions aim to sharpen their form ahead of the Atlantic Sun Championship.
The two day event, moved up due to scheduling changes, could shape the team’s confidence and rhythm at a key moment in the season.
Final Tune Up Before ASUN Championship
The Houston Lake Invitational in Perry, Georgia marks the last regular season event for North Alabama before the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship scheduled for April 17 to 19 in Dothan, Alabama.
This tournament serves as the final opportunity for the Lions to refine their game under competitive pressure before postseason stakes rise.
The format is straightforward but demanding:
- 36 holes on Sunday starting at 8 a.m. CT
- 18 holes on Monday starting at 8 a.m. CT
The event was originally planned at Brickyard Golf Club in Macon but shifted to Houston Lake Country Club due to logistical conflicts.
Such last minute venue changes often test a team’s adaptability, something North Alabama will need to handle with focus and discipline.
Consistent Lineup Leads Lions’ Charge
North Alabama enters the tournament with a steady lineup, marking the fourth straight event with the same five players. That consistency is expected to play a key role in team chemistry and performance.
The lineup includes:
- Kerigan Klauber, redshirt junior
- Sirichaya Chanpen, sophomore
- Ava Schwartz, junior
- Olivia Whittle, sophomore
- Kiersten Riggins, freshman
Klauber continues to lead from the top spot and recently delivered a strong final round score of 73 at the Nashville Invitational.
Four of the five golfers finished inside the top 50 in their last outing, showing depth across the lineup.
That balanced scoring could be decisive in a smaller field where every stroke matters more.
Small Field, Familiar Rivals Raise Stakes
This will be the smallest tournament field North Alabama has faced this season, with just five teams competing:
| Team | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Mercer | Host team, won last two hosted events |
| ETSU | Limited recent meetings |
| Bethune Cookman | Competitive mid tier presence |
| Belmont | Frequent rival this season |
| North Alabama | Seeking late season momentum |
The Lions have already seen Belmont multiple times this spring, producing mixed results:
- Beat Belmont by 12 strokes at Huntsville.org Intercollegiate
- Lost by 10 strokes at the Nashville Invitational
- Won by 16 strokes during the fall at The Judson
This back and forth rivalry adds an extra layer of pressure and motivation heading into the weekend.
Familiarity with opponents can be an advantage, but it also leaves little room for surprises.
Houston Lake Course Presents Unique Challenge
Houston Lake Country Club offers a scenic yet demanding layout. The par 72 course stretches 6,182 yards and is known for its fast greens, which can test even experienced players.
One of the most talked about features is the 18th hole.
“Recognized as one of Georgia’s best golf holes, it demands precision off the tee with water hazards guarding the right side.”
The course sits alongside a 135 acre lake, bringing both beauty and risk into play.
Key course features:
- Fast greens that reward accuracy
- Water hazards on critical holes
- Strategic tee shots required, especially on the closing hole
For a team preparing for championship play, this kind of course offers valuable experience in handling pressure situations.
Building Momentum After Nashville Performance
North Alabama is coming off an 11th place finish at the Nashville Invitational, where the team posted a 60 over total.
They finished ahead of several programs including:
- Eastern Washington
- Loyola Chicago
- Bellarmine
- Dayton
- Tennessee State
While not a podium finish, the performance showed steady improvement, especially in the final round.
Klauber’s closing round and the team’s overall depth suggest a squad trending upward at the right time.
In previous events hosted by Mercer, North Alabama has shown promise. The team finished fourth out of 10 last season and seventh out of nine teams in 2024.
Those results highlight a program that is steadily growing and gaining experience in competitive fields.
Eyes on Confidence and Consistency
This weekend is less about trophies and more about timing. With the postseason approaching, the Lions are focused on building confidence, maintaining consistency, and fine tuning strategy.
A strong showing in Perry could provide the boost needed heading into the Atlantic Sun Championship.
Golf often comes down to rhythm, and North Alabama appears close to finding theirs at a crucial stage of the season.
As the Lions take on a familiar field in a new setting, fans will be watching closely to see if this final regular season stop becomes the turning point.
What do you think about North Alabama’s chances heading into the championship? Share your thoughts and join the conversation with fellow fans online.
