PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – The University of Pikeville women's golf team got its season off to a strong start this week, claiming the win in the UPike Fall Invitational. The tournament was held at StoneCrest Golf Course.
 
The Bears finished with a two-day total of 625 (315-310), easily outdistancing second-place Shawnee State University, which finished second at 735 (377-358). UPike-B finished third at 740 (385-355).
 
"This is exactly the way you hope to begin a season," said Coach Nelson Scott. "We hope to use this as a springboard into the fall season. We played really well and I'm very proud of all of our ladies."
 
Sophomore Renee Crooks got her season off to a solid start, winning medalist honors with a two-day score of 153. She followed Monday's 77 with a 76 on Tuesday. The win is the fifth individual crown of her career.
 
Taking one stroke off her opening-round total was exactly what she needed to edge twin sister Carly Crooks, who shot identical 77s to finish one shot behind and join her sister on the all-tournament team.
 
Pikeville-A was rounded out by freshman Tayla Howroyd, who pressed the sisters to the end before finishing with a score of 156 (80-76); senior Gabrielle Blankenship, who shot 163 (81-82); and Lauren Holmes, who finished at 164 (83-81).
 
All five members of the team were on the all-tournament team.
 
They were joined by junior Sophie Beverly, who led Pikeville-B at 155 (80-75).
 
Shawnee State's Erika Martin was also on the all-tournament team with a score of 167 (84-83).
 
The Bears will return to StoneCrest in two weeks to play in the Alice Lloyd Fall Invitational, slated for Sept. 11-12.