Sydney Abbott (right) receives her medalist trophy on Friday from IU East head coach Brittany Whatley. (Photo provided)

RICHMOND – First tournament. First trophy. That’s how Grace’s women’s golf kicked off the 2017-18 season on Friday.

The Lady Lancers won the IU East Invitational, beating out second-place IU Kokomo by 18 strokes at Richmond Elks Country Club.

Grace was led in the one-round tournament by Sydney Abbott, who claimed medalist honors with a 75. Abbott’s 75 was a program record for the Lady Lancers.

Anna Marshall was not far behind Abbott, finishing in second place with a 77. Marshall finished her round with three consecutive birdies on holes 16, 17 and 18 to claim second place by a stroke.

Lauren Keiser and Kristin Holt also earned top-10 showings as each shot an 88, and Libby Tully rounded out the scorecard with a 97.

“It’s always excited to win, and I can’t think of a better way to start the year,” said Grace head coach Denny Duncan. “Sydney and Anna were absolutely sensational! The long course [6,200 yards] gave many players trouble, but Syndey set a school record, and Anna birdied her last three holes to finish second. I’m excited to see where this team can go!”

The Lady Lancers are back in tournament play Saturday, taking on the IU Kokomo Invitational at 12:30 p.m.