University of South Carolina Upstate Athletics
A-Sun Championships
Culler, Dermody in Top Ten for Upstate after First Day of A-Sun Championships
4/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Reunion, Fla. – Payton Culler and Sidney Dermody are currently in the top ten following day one action at the A-Sun Championships to lead the USC Upstate women's golf team from the par-72, 6,100-yard Reunion Resort Tom Watson Course.
Culler ended first round action in fifth place following her 1-over 73 while Dermody sits tied for seventh place at 3-over 75. The score of 73 compiled by Culler ties her career-low round and is the best turned in this season by an Upstate golfer. Dermody equals her season-best round which she achieved at the Low Country Intercollegiate.
"I am very proud of both Payton and Sidney today," said head coach Todd Lawton. "Being in the top ten after the first round in this championship is special. It presents opportunities that are exciting and real. They approached the round completely different with Payton struggling early but getting on fire her last nine holes. Sidney was steady and in command mostly all the way through her round."
Culler had a 4-over 40 during her opening nine holes after posting five bogies. The sophomore responded on the back-nine by going 3-under 33 highlighted by four birdies, including three over the final five holes.
"Payton had been struggling to recover from her missed shots, but today was different," added Lawton. "She was so patient and committed to playing well despite her start."
Dermody would collect eight pars through her opening nine holes and added back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth.
Allea Hawkins contributed one birdie during her round and is the third-highest Spartan in the individual standings at 85 to be tied for 30th place. Allie Gennaula and Malika Allie rounded out the day for Upstate in 32nd and 35th place, respectively. Gennaula is tied for 32nd after shooting an 86 while Allie finished with a round of 90.
As a team, the Spartans are in sixth place after day one with a 319 score and are five strokes back of Stetson in fifth.
Kennesaw State holds the first round lead in the team standings at 294. KSU's Clara Aveling fired a 2-under 70 on Sunday to hold the individual lead.
The second round of the A-Sun Women's Golf Championships will tee off at 8 a.m. Monday morning.
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