NCCU Women’s Golf Wins SAS HBCU Invitational Championship

CARY, N.C. – North Carolina Central took control from the outset to win the women’s team title at the SAS Championship HBCU Invitational on Sunday at Prestonwood Country Club. 

The Eagles shot a 594 to claim their fifth women’s multi-team title since the program’s inaugural 2021-22 season and their first since winning the Dortch Jr. HBCU Classic in 2024. The victory marked NCCU’s first SAS HBCU title after three runner-up finishes since the tournament’s inception in 2022. 

NCCU won by 23 strokes over North Carolina A&T, which finished second at 617. Chicago State placed third with a 625 in the five-team field. 

Led by individual champion Sanaa Carter, the Eagles delivered a dominant performance. Carter, who placed third a year ago, cruised to an eight-stroke victory with a 142. The win marked the second straight individual title for the NCCU sophomore. 

Cailynn Winford tied for second with a 150 and Tylah James placed fifth with a 153, giving the Eagles three golfers in the top five. Mya Smith also finished in the top half of the 24-player field, firing a 156 to place 11th.  

Inclement weather delayed the start of Saturday’s first round and shortened the tournament from three rounds to two. Once play began, the Eagles established themselves as the team to beat, posting a 296 to take the lead. South Carolina State was second at 313 followed by Chicago State and North Carolina A&T at 318 and 319, respectively. 

Carter and Winford held the top two spots after Saturday’s first round. Carter shot a 71 and Winford carded a 72. 

The SAS HBCU Invitational was held in conjunction with the PGA Tour’s SAS Championship. 

(Photo courtesy of NCCU Athletics)