University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics
Courtyard Classic
Upstate Rallies on Back Nine In First Round of Courtyard Classic
2/5/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Jacksonville, Fla. – The USC Upstate women's golf team opened the Courtyard Classic with a 322, but the team rallied during the back nine by improving by 18 strokes over the front nine score to build momentum heading into Monday's second round.
The Courtyard Classic is a 54-hole event hosted by Jacksonville University and played at Hidden Hills Country Club. The par-72 course plays at 6,037 yards. Upstate had a difficult time on the greens on the front nine and struggled to get good scores. The ball striking was solid, but the putting hampered the Spartans' efforts.
However, when the players made the turn, something clicked throughout the team and Upstate managed to improve its score by 18 strokes on the back nine to post the 322. Upstate is sixth, just five strokes out of fifth place.
A-Sun rival Mercer opened the tournament with a 296 to take the lead. Fellow A-Sun opponent Jacksonville is second at 306 and is followed by Daytona State (313), Florida Atlantic (313), A-Sun foe Florida Gulf Coast (317) and Upstate (322).
"We hit the ball as well as we needed to post a good score today," said Upstate head coach Todd Lawton. "On the front nine, it seemed the hole was the size of a quarter. Nothing fell from any distance. I'm proud that each player stayed focused and made adjustments at the turn. Our 18-shot improvement on the back nine was spectacular.
"I believe we are capable of putting together to solid nines and finish strong over the next two days. It's telling that after a long day, each player chose to stay at the course to make corrections and work without being asked. Today wasn't a perfect day to start the season, but there's promise and lots of highs to build on."
Rachel Lewis (Llanishen, Wales) led the Upstate cause with a 78. She opened with a 42, but shaved six strokes off her score on the back nine to shoot even-par 36. She is tied for 16th entering the second round. Brittany Lowe, a freshman from Spartanburg, was the second-lowest Spartan on the day. She posted an 80 and also lowered her back nine score by six shots over her front nine. She is tied for 20th.
Taylor Pleier (Spartanburg) finished as the third-lowest Spartan, finishing with an 81. She lowered her score by three strokes during the back nine and is tied for 23rd. Amanda Hall (Tega Cay, S.C.) opened with an 83, also lowering her score by three strokes. Kristi Goodman (Easley, S.C.) opened with a 94.
Mercer's Lacey Fears shot a 1-under-par 71 to take the lead after the first round. She leads the field by three strokes.
