TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In an exciting opening round at the 2026 NCAA Tallahassee Regional, Janae Leovao took the lead, showcasing her talent with six birdies. Her impressive performance helped the Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team tie for fourth place, marking their first appearance in the NCAA tournament.
The Eagles shot an impressive 1-under 287, putting them alongside the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The University of Florida led the day with a score of 5-under 283. Florida State University and Wake Forest also played well, each at 3-under 285.
Leovao, from Oceanside, California, had a strong start, going 4-under over the back nine. Despite opening with a bogey, she finished with a score of 4-under 68, leading by one stroke over five other players who shot 3-under 69. This performance follows her recent wins earlier this season, where she clinched victory at both The Southern and the Leadership & Golf Invitational.
Savannah de Bock and Baiyok Sukterm also turned in solid rounds, sitting at even-par 72 and 1-over 73, respectively. Leovao’s sister, Jasmine, and Mariana Vega shot 2-over 74.
This tournament is historic for Eastern Michigan, as it’s their first NCAA postseason round. The team’s score of 287 not only ties for the 18th-lowest in program history but also sets a new postseason record, surpassing their previous score of 291 last season.
Expert sports analysts note that the Eagles’ performance reflects consistent training and a strong team dynamic. According to recent reports, teams that work cohesively tend to exceed expectations in tournaments.
With the tournament continuing, the Eagles will tee off again, seeking to secure a spot at the national level. Their success in the Tallahassee Regional may inspire more teams to emphasize teamwork and support, a factor which has shown to improve performance in competitive sports.
For detailed insights and updates on team standings, you can check NCAA’s official site.
