BRASELTON, Ga. – For the second time in program history, the Centre women's golf team claimed the Southern Athletic Association Championship, played this weekend at the Legends Course at Chateau Elan.
 
After trailing two other teams through 18 holes, the third-ranked Colonels put together a splendid 36-hole stretch to raise the SAA trophy for the first time since the inaugural conference championship in 2013. It is the program's third conference title overall, including the 2012 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship.
 
Centre stacked the individual leaderboard, as well, led by sophomore Rylee Suttor's medalist title. She shot a 229 (82-71-76) overall, leading the field in par-3 and par-4 scoring while totaling seven birdies throughout the event. Suttor defeated Berry's Loren Kim by four strokes.
 
Margaret Butts followed with a third-place finish, easily the best among all rookies. She shot a 239 (85-77-77), capping the tournament with an efficient 18 holes that featured 10 pars and a pair of birdies.
 
Senior Bailey Plourde finished fifth overall with a 242 (81-82-79), leading all golfers in par-5 scoring throughout the weekend while recording three birdies in Sunday's final round.
 
Meaghan Grant was the fourth Colonel to place in the top 10, tying for eighth with a 245 (85-79-81).
 
Abby Ligons had a 262 (89-92-82), coming up with her lowest score of the weekend in the final round.
 
The Colonels will return to action in the NCAA Championships May 11-14.

SATURDAY RECAP
The Colonels surged up the leaderboard following a lengthy rain delay, shooting a 309 as a team to sit in first after 36 holes. Their 309 was 17 strokes better than the next closest team and matched the program record for lowest single-round score at the SAA Championships.

Rylee Suttor likewise jumped to first individually, carding a two-under 71 to hold a one stroke lead over Berry's Loren Kim heading to the final round. Her 71 was three strokes better than all other competitors Saturday and tied for the third-lowest score ever recorded at the event. She completed a bogey-free round while adding two birdies.

Margaret Butts improved by eight strokes from Friday to Saturday, shooting a 75 that featured three birdies to move to seventh overall. 

Bailey Plourde is close behind in a tie for eighth through 36 holes, firing an 82 for the second round. Meaghan Grant is also in the mix, currently sitting in 10th place after Saturday's 79. 

Abby Ligons shot a 91 to complete Centre's lineup.

The Colonels will seek their second SAA Championship in program history Sunday.
 
FRIDAY RECAP
Centre sits in third with a combined 333 team score.
 
Bailey Plourde (81) and Rylee Suttor (82) both sit in the top 10 individually after Friday's first round. Plourde turned in a consistent 18 holes that featured 12 pars and a birdie. Suttor carded two birdies and eight pars.
 
Margaret Butts and Meaghan Grant followed with matching 85s. Butts began the event on fire, going one under through the opening nine holes.
 
Abby Ligons rounded out Centre's lineup with an 89.

The Colonels are back in action for round two Saturday.