Feb. 12, 2008
BAJA, Mexico - The Kennesaw State women's golf team didn't let the warm weather and beautiful surroundings distract them from their goals at the Baja Invitational in Baja, Mexico, turning in a stellar performance to put themselves in second place after two rounds of play.
The Owls, who fired a 306 in the second round to move firmly into second place, only trail the leaders Iowa by one stroke heading in to the final round. The Black and Gold got consistent play across the board as all five Owls stand in the top 20 led by freshman Jessica Tarbet in third place.
Tarbet turned in consecutive 76's on Monday for a 152 and is only seven strokes behind leader Tyrette Metzendorf of Iowa. She shaved five strokes off of her previous collegiate low of 81 with her performance Monday and she led the team for the first time this season.
The remainder of the Owls squad are all within eight strokes of Tarbet and striking distances of top ten finishes. Laura Lindsey is tied for tenth at
157 after turning in a second round 76. Abby Fitzgerald (81-77-158) and Lindsay Hagerman (81-78-159) closely follow in ties for 12th and 16th respectively.
Rounding out the scoring for Kennesaw State was Chelsea Bonk who contributed a second round 77 to the team score and stands in 20th place at 160.
The Owls, who have a comfortable five shot lead over third place Southern Mississippi, lead the tournament in birdies (18), pars (25), par three scoring (3.13) and par five scoring (5.33). Tarbet and Hagerman are second in par three scoring after going one-under for the day while Tarbet and Bonk lead the field by remaining even on the par fives.
Kennesaw State will be looking to secure their first win of the season when the tournament concludes this afternoon. The teams are scheduled tee off the final 18 with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. local time.
KSU Results
3 Jessica Tarbet - 76-76-152
T10 Laura Lindsey - 81-76-157
T12 Abby Fitzgerald - 81-77-158
T16 Lindsay Hagerman - 81-78-159
20 Chelsea Bonk - 83- 77- 160
2 Owls - 319-306-625
Team Results
1 Iowa, U. of - 320- 304- 624, +48
2 Kennesaw St. Univ. - 319 -306 - 625, +49
3 Southern Mississippi - 316 -315 - 631 , +55
4 Bradley University -320 -314 -634, +58
5 Southern Illinois U. -324 -313 -637, +61
6 North Texas, U. of -327 -319 -646, +70
7 Drake University -327 -328 -655, +79
8 USC Upstate -331 -328 -659, +83
9 Northern Illinois U. -340 -349 -689, +113
