Lewis Leads Spartans at Terrier Intercollegiate
9/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Spartanburg, S.C. – Rachel Lewis opened the season in the same place she spent the majority of the year last year, leading the USC Upstate women's golf team, and opened the Terrier Intercollegiate with a 77 to stand tied for 18th. Upstate is eighth in the tournament.
Lewis, from Llanishen, Wales, went out in 40, but came home at 1-over 37 on the final nine to finish with a 77. The sophomore is tied for 18th as the low Spartan on the day and is on pace for her seventh top 20 finish in her young career at Upstate.
"Rachel has led us so often and is a solid player," said Upstate head coach Todd Lawton. "Her round today included 15 pars, which is incredibly consistent."
Lewis' 77 helped pace Upstate on the day. The Spartans turned in a 323 team score and are eighth in the nine-team field. Elon opened the tournament with a 295 to take the first round lead and is followed by Newberry (299), Wofford (302), Presbyterian College (305), High Point (306), Gardner-Webb (309), Appalachian State (314), Upstate (323) and The Citadel (330). Upstate stands nine strokes back of seventh and seven shots ahead of The Citadel.
"Our first round of the season was encouraging for a number reasons," said Lawton. "We are a young team with a lot of heart and a willingness to work. I am excited that we managed lots of pars. We need to convert birdie opportunities on par-5's and allow the rewards of a good shot. More tournament experience will help us recover faster from bad holes. Coach (Audrey) Church will help the team strengthen mentally and her short game practices are great for scoring confidence."
Amanda Hall (So., Tega Cay, S.C.) got off to a slow start, but recovered to play her final 11 holes at 1-over-par. She finished with a 79 and is tied for 30th. Taylor Pleier (So., Spartanburg, S.C.) opened with an 81 in her first competitive tournament since winning the Spartanburg County Women's Amateur Championship in August.
A pair of freshmen made their collegiate debuts for Upstate on Monday. Spartanburg's Brittany Lowe opened with an 86, while Easley's Kristi Goodman carded an 88.
Newberry's Taylor Weaver opened with an even-par 72 and owns the individual lead heading into Tuesday's final round.
