Golf’s season comes to an end at CUSA championships

Adrian Benitez | Staff Writer

The FIU golf team’s season has concluded after a fourth place finish in the CUSA championships in Magnolia, Texas.

This performance ends a season of many twists and turns for the Panthers golfing squad. Many golfers showed out for the Panthers this year, helping them record some strong finishes. 

They began the year with the Jennifer Duke Invitational in September 2023. The Panthers placed sixth out of 11 teams in the event and had two individual scorers in the top 10.

Following that was FIU’s best team finish this year, at the Johnie Imes Invitational in September 2023. The Panthers finished third out of 12 teams at the event, with three golfers featuring in the top seven of individual scoring. 

In October 2023, the Panthers recorded another top half finish at the Pat Bradley Invitational. They placed fifth out of 12 teams in the event. 

During the spring, FIU’s best team finish came at the Jackrabbit Invitational in March. They finished ninth out of 13 teams in the event, and junior Karissa Kilby led the Panthers with a 20th place individual finish.

At the CUSA Championships, sophomore Kelly Shanahan led the Panthers with a total score of 219 (+3) placing 11th. She finished with scores of 0 and -3 in the final two rounds at the par 72 course. 

Other top 20 finishers for the Panthers included graduate student Anika Veintemilla, tying for 13th place with a score of 221 (+5). Kilby tied for 17th with a score of 222 (+6).

For her efforts throughout the season, Kilby was named to the CUSA Women’s Golf All-Conference Third Team. Kilby led the Panthers in scoring at four events throughout the year, more than any other Panther.

Given all the great performances by the Panthers golfers this year, it won’t be surprising to see them aim for bigger and better things next season.

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