FROM STAFF REPORTS

BIRMINGHAM – One year after capturing the Alabama Women’s State Amateur Title, University of Montevallo sophomore Elaine Wood won the Alabama Women’s State Stroke Play Championship this week at Shoal Creek.

Wood captured the tournament title with a 2-over par 218 in the three-round event, edging Alison Hovatter and Michaela Williams to claim the 25th annual Stroke Play Championship.

“I am so proud of Elaine and how she played this week,” said Montevallo women’s golf coach Justin Pratt. “She really works smart and hard at her game to keep improving. Winning tournaments in the summer like this is just a big boost for her confidence and mental game. She represents Montevallo and our golf programs with class so it’s great to see her have success because she earns it.”

After a five-hour weather delay, Wood overtook Hovatter and Williams on the final day of the tournament with an even par 72 in the final round.

Wood got off to a hot start in the final round with three consecutive birdies on the front nine before a double bogey on the ninth hole slowed her momentum.

An up-and-down back nine saw her mix three birdies with four bogeys, but it proved just enough to allow Wood to hold off her competitors.