The University of South Florida women’s golf team secured a strong podium finish in West Lafayette, Indiana, as the USF women’s golf finishes third at the Boilermaker Spring Classic. The performance was anchored by a standout individual effort from Cherry Marley, who navigated the challenging course to claim third place in the individual standings.
Marley finished the tournament with a total score of 215, placing her at one-under par for the event. Her consistency across three rounds of play served as the catalyst for the Bulls’ overall team success, allowing them to outpace a competitive field and secure the third-place team trophy.
The result marks a significant milestone for the program under the leadership of head coach AJ Newell. By finishing in the top three, the Bulls have demonstrated a level of stability and competitiveness that sets a high bar as they transition toward the postseason. Marley’s individual success was particularly notable given the caliber of the competition, as she finished ahead of eight nationally ranked golfers, including the world No. 7 player.
Marley’s Path to the Podium
Cherry Marley’s trajectory through the Boilermaker Spring Classic was a study in steady play. She opened the tournament with a strong 71 (-1) on day one, establishing an early lead and a psychological edge. She maintained that momentum over the following two days, recording back-to-back rounds of 72 (even par) to close out the event.
Beyond the final score, Marley showcased a high ceiling for scoring, becoming one of only 13 players in the entire field to record an eagle. This ability to capitalize on long-game opportunities, combined with a series of critical birdies, allowed her to remain competitive against some of the top-ranked players in the collegiate circuit.
While Marley led the charge, the depth of the USF roster was evident in the supporting scores. The team’s collective ability to avoid catastrophic rounds and maintain a steady pace of birdies ensured that the Bulls remained in contention for the team title throughout the weekend.
Supporting Performances and Team Depth
The Bulls’ third-place finish was a result of a balanced effort across the lineup. Alice Webb provided a critical secondary pillar for the team, finishing tied for 16th place. Webb’s performance was highlighted by seven birdies over the three rounds, demonstrating an aggressive yet controlled approach to the course.
Regina Plascencia too delivered a top-25 performance, tying for 22nd place. Like Webb, Plascencia recorded seven birdies during the tournament, providing the team with the necessary scoring punch to maintain their position on the leaderboard. The consistency of these two players ensured that the team was not overly reliant on a single standout performance.
Other contributions from the squad included Holly McLean, who also notched seven birdies for the tournament. Emma Kim added four birdies to the team total, while Matylda Krawczynska contributed three. This breadth of scoring suggests a healthy roster heading into the final stretch of the season.
| Player | Tournament Finish | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Marley | 3rd | 215 (-1) / 1 Eagle |
| Alice Webb | T-16th | 7 Birdies |
| Regina Plascencia | T-22nd | 7 Birdies |
| Holly McLean | N/A | 7 Birdies |
Program Growth Under AJ Newell
The success at the Boilermaker Spring Classic is part of a larger upward trend for the program under AJ Newell. A former LPGA Tour player and NCAA All-American, Newell is currently in her second season as head coach. Her transition into leadership has been marked by a focus on high-level consistency and individual player development.
During her inaugural season, Newell guided the Bulls to four top-10 finishes in the 2024-25 campaign and coached Leonor Medeiros to a spot on the American All-Conference Team. This foundation of success is built on Newell’s previous experience at the University of Michigan, where she served as an assistant coach for three years. During her tenure with the Wolverines, she helped lead the team to a 2022 Big Ten title and an appearance in the 2022 NCAA Championship Finals.
The current squad’s ability to compete with and beat nationally ranked players—as seen in Marley’s performance—indicates that the program is effectively translating Newell’s professional and collegiate experience into tangible results on the course.
Looking Ahead: The American Conference Championship
The momentum from West Lafayette will be position to the test immediately. The Bulls are now shifting their focus to the American Athletic Conference Championship, the most critical event of the spring season.
The championship is scheduled to initiate on Monday, April 20. The competition will take place at the Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville, Florida. Returning to their home state provides the Bulls with a geographic advantage, but the pressure of a conference title requires a high level of mental fortitude.
For those following the team’s progress, official updates and real-time scoring are available via the USF Athletics official website and their verified social media channels on X and Instagram.
The team’s ability to maintain the form shown at the Boilermaker Spring Classic will be the deciding factor in whether they can secure a conference title and a subsequent bid to the NCAA championships. The next official checkpoint for the program will be the opening tee times in Brooksville on April 20.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the Bulls’ season and their predictions for the conference championship in the comments below.
