LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – The Western Michigan golf team kicked off its spring season in strong fashion, shooting a 54-hole program record 883 after finishing the final round of play at the Falcon Florida Classic, hosted by Bowling Green at Lakewood Ranch & Country Club, on Tuesday.
 
The score breaks the previous record of 885 set back at the Ball State Cardinal Classic in 2017 and mark s just the second time in program history the team has shot three sub-300 rounds in a 54-hole tournament. WMU shot a 295 in the final round to finish in fifth place in the field of 12 at +19.
 
Alissa Fish was the Broncos' top finisher in the tournament, wrapping up with a 72 for a 54-hole total of 218 (+2). Freshman Megha Vallabhaneni finished just two strokes behind her after a final round of 73 to tie for 17th. Senior Haley Barclay jumped four spots on the final day after shooting a 75 to finish with a 224 (+8) and tie with teammate Natalie Samdal for 25th. Fershman Jenna Hayes wrapped up WMU's five with a 226 (+10).
 
Vallabhaneni had a team-high 41 pars, tied for second-most in the tournament. Fish led the Broncos with 11 birdies, followed close behind by Barclay with 10.
 
The Broncos are off next week before heading to their home away from home, Rio Verde, Ariz., and the Rio Verde Country Club. WMU hosts the annual Rio Verde Invitational Feb, 24-26.