Bowling Green State University Athletics

More Than a Tournament: BGSU Wins Big as Dolores Black Invitational Unites Bowling Green
April 13, 2026 | Women's Golf
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — It was more than just a tournament—it was a full-fledged community celebration.
The Bowling Green State University women's golf program transformed the Dolores Black Invitational at Stone Ridge Country Club into a one-of-a-kind fan experience this past weekend, blending high-level competition with a festival-like atmosphere that brought the Bowling Green community together.
What had traditionally been a standard stop on the schedule evolved into something much bigger.
Inspired by the fan-forward energy of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the innovative presentation of LIV Golf, head coach Erin Fahey and her staff set out to reimagine what a collegiate golf event could look like—rooted in accessibility, community engagement and support for student-athletes.
Our Highlights from the Dolores Black Invitational!🏆#AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/kkvDih9sB7
— BGSU Women's Golf (@BGSUWGolf) April 12, 2026
With the backing of Upper Echelon Electric, that vision came to life through food trucks, music, bounce houses and interactive activities—creating a family-friendly environment rarely seen in collegiate golf.
But the most unique element? The community itself.
Fourteen homes surrounding Stone Ridge opened their backyards to host watch parties, offering creative themes and a front-row seat to the action. Those gatherings turned neighbors into fans and spectators into supporters, giving players an energy boost throughout the weekend.
"We really wanted to make it a community event," said Fahey. "Hole five is a par-3 with water, so we created 'Fiesta on Five' to make it a fun atmosphere. It's awesome to see the fairways filled with orange and so many people cheering. We're excited to get out there and have fun with the community."
Party Vibes out at Stone Ridge Golf Club over the weekend for the Dolores Black Invitational!@BGSUWGolf took the crown and @BCSNsports was there to capture the event. pic.twitter.com/XMhwEArzJh
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) April 13, 2026
The weekend also featured a free youth clinic following practice rounds, drawing more than 50 young golfers and reinforcing the program's commitment to growing the game locally.
And through it all, the Falcons delivered.
BGSU captured first place overall for the second consecutive year, finishing at +37 to outpace the field and secure its second team title of the season. The Falcons have now placed in the top five in every event this year.
Individually, Copelin O'Krangley led the way with a runner-up finish (+8), while Audrey McIntyre tied for sixth (+10). Five additional Falcons landed inside the top 20, showcasing the program's depth:
- Ava O'Sullivan — 4th (+9)
- McKenzie Miller — T6 (+10)
- Macie Elzinga — 11th (+11)
- Addison Kartusch — 17th (+12)
- Sammie Dolce — 26th (+17)
"This was one of our goals coming into the spring—to win this tournament," said Fahey. "To go back-to-back and do it at home, in front of this kind of crowd, made it really special. The conditions were tough, especially with the wind, but our team stayed focused and kept grinding. I'm really proud of how they competed."
Beyond the leaderboard, the Dolores Black Invitational proved something even more meaningful: college golf can be both competitive and communal—traditional and innovative.
With the MAC Championships up next, the Falcons carry momentum on the course—and the lasting impact of a weekend that redefined what a home event can be.




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