SHIZUOKA, Japan (Sept. 6, 2024) – East Tennessee State University women's golf team began the 2024-25 season at the Pan Pacific UGSL Tournament in Shizuoka, Japan.
 
The Bucs took advantage of the opportunity to travel internationally, making the 16-plus hour trip across the Pacific Ocean to Shizuoka.

"The Pan Pacific Super Golf League Tournament hosted here in Grand Fields CC in Japan was one of the most incredible golf experiences for our ETSU golf program," said head coach Stefanie Shelton. "It has been an honor to represent ETSU here competing against the top Korean, Thai, Japanese, Taiwanese and Chinese universities.   
 
"Grand Fields CC introduced us to a new style of golf with thick velcro rough, curving narrow fairways and severely undulated greens. It was very challenging, and I watched our ladies adapt and push themselves past fear and compete. What a way to begin a season.  I am thrilled to see how the ladies play moving forward!  
 
"We are extremely grateful for this experience and thankful for all the hosts and sponsors who made this possible."

Sophomore Brianna Castaldi shot a final round 2-over 74 to lead the way for the Bucs. Castaldi and redshirt sophomore Sydney Harz matched with scores of 16-over-par 232 over the three-round tournament to tie for No. 70 in the mixed men's and women's competition. In just the women's side, the Buccaneer duo finished tied for 40th.
 
Senior Alex Crafton shot 28-over-par 244, and junior Madeline Simcox and freshman Zara Naughton each posted scores of 39-over-par 255. The Bucs finished No. 11 as a team in the women's competition with a score of 962.
 
Virginia swept both the team and individual titles. Amanda Sambach earned medalist honors at 9-under-par 207, while the Cavaliers posted a score of 3-over-par 867 en route to winning by 11 strokes over Tokyo International University.
 
Overall, only 10 players in the 140-player field finished below par over the three-day, 54-hole tournament.
 
Next up, ETSU returns stateside for the Golfweek Red Sky Classic from Sept. 23-25 in Vail, Colo.
 
For more information on Buccaneer women's golf, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the women's golf tab.