Auburn University’s women’s golf team won the Old Barnwell Derby Match Play championship on March 17, defeating Duke University 3-2 at Old Barnwell Golf Club in Aiken, South Carolina. This victory marks Auburn’s fifth team win of the 2025-26 season, tying the program record for most wins in a single season.
The result is significant as it demonstrates Auburn’s strong performance throughout the season and highlights their ability to compete against top-ranked teams. The Tigers’ achievement also matches a milestone last reached during the 2005-06 season.
Head coach Melissa Luellen said, “Today was a total team win. Everyone stepped up and delivered when it mattered most. Beating Duke 3-2 in tough, cold and windy conditions shows the kind of fight we have as a group. It was awesome to see two of our newcomers go a perfect 3-0 this week and make such a big impact. That’s our fifth win of the season, and we’re building something really special.”
In earlier rounds, Auburn defeated Alabama and Mississippi State by identical scores of 3-2 to advance to the final match against Duke. Freshman Charlotte Cantonis contributed significantly by winning all her matches during the event, including a decisive victory over Duke’s Katie Li with a score of 6&5. Carys Worby secured another point for Auburn by defeating Carla De Troia 3&1 after overcoming an early deficit. Molly Brown Davidson clinched the championship for Auburn with her third win of the event, finishing 2&1 against Andie Smith.
Duke earned its two points from Anna Canado Espinal, who defeated Katie Cranston, and Rianne Malixi, who topped Anna Davis.
Looking ahead, Auburn will participate in the Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas on March 23-24.
