Championship season is here for the Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team. The Eagles are heading to Akron, Ohio, from April 26-28 to compete in the 2026 Mid-American Conference Golf Championships at the Fazio Course in Firestone Country Club. This three-day tournament will be intense, with 54 holes to play and a coveted automatic berth to the NCAA Regionals on the line for the winning team.
Meet the Eagles
Here’s who will represent the Eagles at the MAC Championships:
- Baiyok Sukterm (Jr.) – Average: 72.3, National Rank: #80. She recently won the Silicon Valley Showcase and has been honored multiple times as MAC Golfer of the Week.
- Janae Leovao (Sr.) – Average: 71.9, National Rank: #53. She opened the season with two consecutive wins and is also a three-time MAC Golfer of the Week.
- Jasmine Leovao (Sr.) – Average: 72.1, National Rank: #67. She has achieved several top finishes and won MAC Golfer of the Week honors three times.
- Savannah de Bock (Jr.) – Average: 72.9, National Rank: #142. She earned medalist honors at the Citrus Golf Trail Invitational.
- Erina Tan (So.) – Average: 76.3. She’s making significant strides, with top-10 finishes in recent events.
- Matilde Zocchi (Fr.) – Average: 76.3, National Rank: #540. A promising rookie who has shown potential in her first year.
Aiming for Success
As the Eagles gear up for the tournament, they’re determined to secure their first conference title, having finished as runners-up seven times. Kent State has dominated the MAC, winning all 26 previous championships. If Eastern Michigan succeeds, it will mark a historic moment for the program.
The Eagles’ confidence is high after a strong performance at the Chevron Silverado Showdown, finishing second with a record total of 15-under 849. Baiyok Sukterm, Janae Leovao, and Jasmine Leovao all finished in the top 10, contributing to an impressive showing.
Historical Context
The Eagles have been close to winning the MAC Championship in the past, with their best finish being second place. The last strong finish was in 2015 when they missed the title by just 10 strokes. The team has also accumulated individual achievements over the years, with Sarah Johnson being the only MAC champion from Eastern Michigan.
Interestingly, the Leovao sisters have made waves in the collegiate circuit, with Janae recently becoming the first player in the program to win consecutive tournaments. Their accomplishments underscore a growing legacy for the Eagles in collegiate golf.
Team Dynamics
In the 2025-26 season, Eastern stands out as one of just three teams nationwide with five players who have all won NCAA Division I tournaments. This roster depth bodes well for their championship aspirations.
As they prepare to face off against nine other teams, including three in the national top 150, the Eagles are riding a historic wave, currently ranked #19 nationally—an all-time high for the program.
Looking Ahead
If the Eagles secure a good position in the MAC Championships, they may advance to the NCAA Regionals on May 11-13. The anticipation around these upcoming games is palpable, with fans and players alike hoping for a historic breakthrough.
As the championship weekend approaches, the focus is clear: compete hard, support each other, and aim for victory on the course!
