Monday, September 14
Greenville CC | Greenville, N.C.
Jax State
at
Pirate Collegiate Classic
Photo by: Emily Kish / Jax State
Women’s Golf Seventh in Fall Debut
9/15/2026 4:10:00 PM | Women's Golf
Jax State took seventh in the field at the Pirate Collegiate Classic, hosted by East Carolina at Greenville Country Club.
As a team, the Gamecocks posted rounds of six over, eight over, and two over in the 54-hole tournament for a grand total of 880 to finish two shots clear of Troy. NC State won the event at 13-under, nine shots better than UNC Greensboro with the host Pirates taking third.
"This was a very encouraging way to start our season," said coach Robbie Fields. "We saw a lot of good golf played but it wasn't anyone's best. We have a lot of new faces, including our assistant coach, and it was exciting to see their impact already."
Leading the way for the Gamecocks was junior Lara El Chaib in a tie for eighth at three-under. She posted a four-under round of 68 to start the season, which was highlighted by a 32 on the front nine with five birdies. During Monday's second round, she posted birdies on 16 and 18 to finish with an even-par 72. In Tuesday's final round she birdied the Par 5 ninth after a double on eight to post 36 on the front and finished her weekend with a birdie on 18 for the third round in a row to finish with a one-over 73.
"Lara struck the ball really well, as usual, and really got the putter rolling in the first round," said Fields. "She's been working really hard over the summer so it is good to see that pay off early to start the season."
Her 14 birdies during the tournament were tied for the third most in the field.
Just hours after making her professional debut, freshman Julie Waldo made her collegiate debut with a 23rd-place finish. Following a three-over 75 in the first round, the Prattville native got into red numbers with a two-under 70 in Monday's second round. She closed out the week with a one-over 73.
"I was so impressed by Julie Waldo the past week for not only her performance, but how she handled herself with an eventful schedule playing a professional event right before beginning her college career," said Fields. I'm excited for her future as a Gamecock."
Sophomore Julie Ulvenes Kleppe was tied for 31st with a six-over total of 222 (74-76-72). Five of her 11 birdies during the tournament came during Tuesday's third round. Caitlin Shippam took 50th in her first tournament with the Gamecocks posting 229 (77-80-72), shooting 35 on the back nine of the final round with birdies on 16 and 18 to get to even on the day.
Sophia Blake rounded out the lineup in 69th with a total of 239 (80-78-81).
Ashley Stevenson led the tandem of Gamecocks competing as individuals with a total of 237 (77-80-80), followed by Tala Clarke at 239 (77-83-79).
The Gamecocks will return to action next week at the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational at the University Club of Kentucky.
As a team, the Gamecocks posted rounds of six over, eight over, and two over in the 54-hole tournament for a grand total of 880 to finish two shots clear of Troy. NC State won the event at 13-under, nine shots better than UNC Greensboro with the host Pirates taking third.
"This was a very encouraging way to start our season," said coach Robbie Fields. "We saw a lot of good golf played but it wasn't anyone's best. We have a lot of new faces, including our assistant coach, and it was exciting to see their impact already."
Leading the way for the Gamecocks was junior Lara El Chaib in a tie for eighth at three-under. She posted a four-under round of 68 to start the season, which was highlighted by a 32 on the front nine with five birdies. During Monday's second round, she posted birdies on 16 and 18 to finish with an even-par 72. In Tuesday's final round she birdied the Par 5 ninth after a double on eight to post 36 on the front and finished her weekend with a birdie on 18 for the third round in a row to finish with a one-over 73.
"Lara struck the ball really well, as usual, and really got the putter rolling in the first round," said Fields. "She's been working really hard over the summer so it is good to see that pay off early to start the season."
Her 14 birdies during the tournament were tied for the third most in the field.
Just hours after making her professional debut, freshman Julie Waldo made her collegiate debut with a 23rd-place finish. Following a three-over 75 in the first round, the Prattville native got into red numbers with a two-under 70 in Monday's second round. She closed out the week with a one-over 73.
"I was so impressed by Julie Waldo the past week for not only her performance, but how she handled herself with an eventful schedule playing a professional event right before beginning her college career," said Fields. I'm excited for her future as a Gamecock."
Sophomore Julie Ulvenes Kleppe was tied for 31st with a six-over total of 222 (74-76-72). Five of her 11 birdies during the tournament came during Tuesday's third round. Caitlin Shippam took 50th in her first tournament with the Gamecocks posting 229 (77-80-72), shooting 35 on the back nine of the final round with birdies on 16 and 18 to get to even on the day.
Sophia Blake rounded out the lineup in 69th with a total of 239 (80-78-81).
Ashley Stevenson led the tandem of Gamecocks competing as individuals with a total of 237 (77-80-80), followed by Tala Clarke at 239 (77-83-79).
The Gamecocks will return to action next week at the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational at the University Club of Kentucky.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Golf
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/ Women's Golf
/ Women's Golf
/ Women's Golf
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