WAYNESVILLE, N.C. - The University of South Alabama women’s golf team posted the lowest team round of the day, 292, on Sunday in Waynesville, N.C. The Lady Jags finished up strong, moving up one position to finish fourth, with a two round score of 596, at the Great Smokies Wachovia Collegiate.
“I am happy the way they came back in the second round and really hung in there,” said women’s coach TJ Jackson. “They played very strong in their second round and showed a lot of character shooting a 292.”
Tournament host Western Carolina held off a second day charge by East Tennessee (587) with a one stroke victory shooting ten-over par, 586. Winthrop and South Alabama followed with team scores of 595 and 596 respectively. A four team tie between Xavier, Elon, Belmont, and Marshall, rounded out the top five with a score of, 606.
Austin Peay golfer Staci Lynch, 140, was the individual medalist followed by Olivia Higgins, 142, of Charleston Southern. Desiree Karlsson finished third scoring,143, while Kate O’Sullivan of High Point carded, 144, and Danielle Mills of Elon shot 145.
The Lady Jags were led by a trio of golfers shooting five-over par, 149. Seniors Elin Andersson and Michelle Toth, and sophomore Darah Newell, all finished tied for 14th. Newell finished off the round strong with birdies on four of her last five holes. Sophomore Shirley Harvey finished tied for 25thth posting, 151, and junior Sara Marti carded, 152, to finish tied for 32nd.
“Unfortunately we were a few strokes away to make a difference, but they all played well today and got the job done” said Jackson.
South Alabama 304 – 292 = 596
T-14 Elin Andersson 75 – 74 = 149
T-14 Darah Newell 77 – 72 = 149
T-14 Michelle Toth 77 – 71 = 149
T-25 Shirley Harvey 77 – 74 = 151
T-32 Sara Marti 75 – 77 = 152
