ST. MICHAEL, Minn. - The only thing hotter than the temperature at Fox Hollow Golf Club on Tuesday was the play of the University of Northwestern Women's Golf team. The Eagles started their 2026-27 season with a bang, firing a program-record score of 302 (+14) at the UNW Invite. The foursome of Morgan Philyaw (Jordan, Minn./Jordan), Paige Johnson (Zimmerman, Minn./Homeschool), Bri Brandt (Blaine, Minn./Legacy Christian Academy) and Brielle Lenz (Marshfield, Wis./Marshfield) contributed to the score, edging out their previous mark of 303, set last September at the Midwest Region Classic.

Philyaw (formerly Morgan Eckman), led the way with a 73 (+1), which earned the senior medalist honors and was one stroke shy of tying the program record that she and Johnson share. The All-American birdied three holes to win by two shots over Johnson, who carded a pair of birdies on her way to a 75 (+3) and a second-place finish. Brandt racked up four birdies, bouncing back from a 41 on the front nine to shoot 35 on the back and finish with a score of 76 (+4), good for solo third place. Lenz tied her career-best score of 78 (+6), which included a birdie on the par-five fourth hole. Hailey Nelson (Coon Rapids, Minn./Legacy Christian Academy) was the other member of UNW's "A" team, and turned in a score of 89 (+17) in her debut with the top squad.

Northwestern's "B" team turned in a solid performance itself, finishing in third place, just three shots back of runner-up UW-Superior with a score of 340 (+52). Ellie Rolland (Otsego, Minn./Rogers) was the catalyst, finishing in a tie for sixth with a 79 (+7), thanks to three birdies. Rolland's 79 was just one shot off her career-low round. Izzy Lee (Stillwater, Minn./St. Croix Prep) provided good experience for the "B" squad as well, finishing with an 85 (+13) and a tie for ninth place among the 40 competitors. Kylie Voight (Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area) struggled on the front nine, but shined on the back, firing an even-par 36 to close the day at 87 (+15), in 12th place. Jenna Voight (Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area) was just two shots behind Kylie at 89 (+17, T-13th), while Walker Johnson (Staples, Minn./Homeschool) turned in a 102 (+30) in her UNW debut.

The Eagles will be back in action Friday and Saturday at Bunker Hills Golf Club in Coon Rapids for the St. Kate's Invite.