Huntley, Ill. -- The Thunder women's golf team began the fall portion of its 2026-27 schedule on Wednesday by participating in the annual Judson Invitational at Pinecrest Golf Club. Competing against 17 other teams, including three CCIW programs, Wheaton tied for fifth place in the single-round tournament to start the year on a strong note. Sophomore Emma Lee earned a top five finish on the individual leaderboard to lead the Thunder squad.

The hosting Eagles won the competition with a combined team score of 335. NJCAA side Rock Valley finished second with a mark of 340, while Carroll University led the way among the CCIW teams with a third-place standing on a 345 total. Aurora's 'B' squad was next up in fourth place on a single-round tally of 346, while Elmhurst's 'A' team, Carthage's 'C' squad, and Wheaton each logged a 349 scoring total to tie for fifth place. The Carthage 'B' group and Lake Forest College finished behind these three squads on a mark of 355, and Elmhurst's 'B' team rounded out the top 10 of the team standings via a 382 score.

Lee, who earned All-CCIW honors in her debut season last fall, continued her strong form into the new year on Wednesday, shooting an even 80 (+8) to tie for fourth place on the 76-woman leaderboard. Fellow sophomore Abby Crutchley carded an 85 (+13) to secure a spot in the top 15 of the field, and Ava Hartnett was one stroke behind Crutchley on a mark of 86 that saw her tie for 14th.

Molly Holbert began her senior season by tallying a round total of 98, and Abi Edwards registered a mark of 107 in Wednesday's tournament.

Next up for the Thunder team after a strong start to their fall slate is the Wisconsin Lutheran Invitational in Hartford, Wisconsin next Friday.