CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Ava Merrill placed in the top five individually for the third time in her Commodore career this weekend at the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational, carding a 2-over round on Sunday to make her total 1-over for the three-day event.

“What a great tournament for Ava,” said head coach Greg Allen. “I’m really proud of how she handled the week. She played very consistently from start to finish.”

As a team, Vanderbilt finished in ninth place with a 288-stroke final round. The Commodores improved their score each day, going 295-291-288 over the weekend.

“As a team, we’re definitely disappointed because this is a tournament we thought we could win,” said Allen. “But when everyone doesn’t show up ready to play, this is what can happen. We need to learn from this and make sure we get back to our kind of golf.”

Lynn Lim had the leading round for Vanderbilt on Sunday—an even-par day highlighted by an eagle on the par four No. 11. Sara Im notched a 1-over-par 71 to complete her weekend at 8-over, tying for 26th individually. Tillie Claggett shot a final-round 75 and Angelina Tolentino had an 82.

Vanderbilt returns to the course next week to play in The Ally at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, Mississippi, from October 21-23.