PARIS, KY — Transylvania University women's golf opened its 2026 season with two rounds at Houston Oaks Golf Course, as a young Pioneer lineup began the year with multiple career milestones and four sub-80 rounds.

Maddie Easterling and Nicole Mears led Transylvania with a pair of top-20 finishes. Easterling opened her collegiate career with a 78 before shooting an 82 in the second round, while Mears followed an opening-round 82 with a career-low 78 on the final 18. Both finished tied for 18th with two-round totals of 160. Easterling's opening-round 78 also marked her first collegiate round under 80.

Addilyn Johnson improved throughout the tournament, following an opening-round 87 with an 83 in the second round to tie her career low. She finished with a two-round total of 170. Macy Saylor also totaled 170 after rounds of 86 and 84.

Freshman Cassidy Reams made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut. After opening with an 84, Reams fired a 79 in the second round to break 80 for the first time in her college career. Her two-round total of 163 placed her tied for 27th.

Emery Herron made a six-stroke improvement from the opening round, following a 90 with an 84. Allyson Kaelin posted consecutive rounds of 87, while Peyton Patrick recorded rounds of 87 and 90. Lucy Whitfield finished with rounds of 97 and 98, and Maddy Moline improved six strokes from an opening 101 to a second-round 95.

Head Coach Tom Campbell saw plenty to build upon as the Pioneers completed their first tournament following several weeks of preparation.
"It was good to finally get started after a couple of weeks of qualifying and practice," Campbell said. "We're a young team, but there's so much potential with this group. I saw lots of good things in these two days. We had multiple milestones individually! I'm excited to watch this grow and improve, both on the course and in their preparation. Exciting times ahead!"

The opening tournament saw Mears establish a new career low, Johnson match hers, and freshmen Reams and Easterling each break 80 in their first collegiate tournament. Up next for the Pioneers is the Lee and Joe Duncan Rhodes Invitational in Memphis, Tennessee on September 26th and 27th. 

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.