Oct. 24, 2025 (Paradise Island, Bahamas) – Anna Howerton had the second-best round on the day with a 1-over-par 73 and it was good enough to help her High Point team to a one-stroke lead after a windy first round at the White Sands Bahamas Women’s Golf Invitational Friday.
The Panthers finished at 12 over par, while South Florida was at +13. Middle Tennessee State and Miami were two more strokes behind at +15 in a field of seven teams that also includes Northern Illinois, Ohio and Prairie View A&M.
Howerton had two birdies and three bogeys on the day to post a score that was bettered by only Isabella Johnson of Middle Tennessee State, who finished at even par.
“It was pretty difficult playing in this wind for a kid from central North Carolina,” said Howerton, a junior from Winston-Salem. “I tried to think of the wind as my friend and stay positive. This is my first time out of the country, and this is a blessing to be here.”
“We practiced a lot of knock-down shots to get prepared for this week,” said Lynsey Hunnell, fourth-year head coach for the Panthers. “We’ve had some second and third place finishes this fall, but we are still looking for a first-place finish.”
Howerton was supported by teammates Ella Perna and Eva Lye, who had 75s, and Makayla Grubb, who finished with a 77.
The women will continue with the second round of the 54-hole event on Saturday at the 6,342-yard, par 72 Ocean Club Golf Course, designed by past major champion Tom Weiskopf.
TEAM SCORING
1. High Point, +12
2. South Florida, +13
T3. Middle Tennessee State, +15
T3. Miami, +15
T5. Northern Illinois, +25
T5. Ohio, +25
T5. Prairie View. +59
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
1. Isabella Johnson, Middle Tennessee State, E (72)
2. Anna Howerton, High Point, +1 (73)
T3. Cherry Marley, South Florida, +2 (74)
T3. Tiphani Knight, South Florida, +2 (74)
T5. Cloe Amion Villarino, Miami, +3 (75)
T5. Ella Perna, High Point, +3 (75)
T5. Eva Lye, High Point, +3 (75)
T5. Rebekah Gardner, +3 (75)
T5. Valentina Bosselmann, South Florida, +3 (75)
For more coverage of the 2025 White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational, follow @WhiteSandsBah on social media and use the following hashtags: #WhiteSandsBahamas and #WhiteSandsNCAA.
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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly-away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to see why “It’s Better in The Bahamas.”
ABOUT OCEAN CLUB GOLF COURSE
Atlantis Paradise Island’s Ocean Club Golf Course offers a challenging and beautiful course for golfers desiring championship play. Masterfully conceived, the Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole, par 72 championship course stretches over 7,100 yards on Atlantis’ peninsula. The course has hosted iconic sporting events such as the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), the Michael Douglas & Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic. For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and the Ocean Club please visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational
Contact: Jack Milko
[email protected]
Contact: Craig Smith
[email protected]
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION CONTACT:
Anita Johnson-Patty
[email protected]
ATLANTIS CONTACT:
Katie Longley
Atlantis Paradise Island
242-376-1034
[email protected]
Photo Credits 📸: Ronnie Archer
