HOOVER, Ala. – Samford sophomore Gabi Nicastro earned individual medalist honors at the Hoover Invite, hosted by UAB at the Hoover Country Club Monday and Tuesday.
 
This is the second-straight season Nicastro has won the Hoover Invite as she started her collegiate career by winning the event last season. Nicastro shot a three-round total of five-under-par 211 (68-70-73) to finish first in the 91-player field that included players from SEC powers Alabama and Georgia.
 
"Coach Joe (Davidson) and I are extremely proud of the effort our players showed this week, but we have some improvements to make as a team," Samford assistant coach Emily Johnson said. "This was our first tournament of the season against a very strong field. We are so excited for Gabi to win the individual championship here for a second-straight year."
 
As a team, Samford placed eighth in the 13-team field. The Bulldogs finished with a three-round score of 909 (299-305-305). Alabama won the event at 871 (296-286-289).
 
Behind Nicastro for Samford, Anika Richards tied for 47^th at 231 (76-76-79), while Ella Stoll tied for 54^th with a score of 234 (82-77-75). Anne Reaves Skinner tied for 70^th with a final score of 238 (78-82-78) and Kate Joyner rounded out Samford's playing five by tying for 77^th at 241 (77-82-82).
 
Playing as individuals, with their score not counting towards the team total were Grace Engel (T-64, 237), Morgan Franklin (T-70, 238), Emma Fortier (T-77, 241) and Christian Williams (T-77, 241).
 
Samford will next compete in the Lady Red Wolves Classic, Oct. 14-15, in Jonesboro, Ark.
 
SAMFORD PLAYER SCORES
1. Gabi Nicastro: 68-70-73—211 (-5)
T-47. Anika Richards: 76-76-79—231 (+15)
T-54. Ella Stoll: 82-77-75—234 (+18)
T-70. Anne Reaves Skinner: 78-82-78—238 (+22)
T-77. Kate Joyner: 77-82-82—241 (+25)
 
SAMFORD INDIVIDUALS
T-64. Grace Engel: 79-80-78—237 (+21)
T-70. Morgan Franklin: 82-75-81—238 (+22)
T-77. Emma Fortier: 85-77-79—241 (+25)
T-77. Christian Williams: 82-78-81—241 (+25)
 
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