By: by Krissy Wade
The Owls got off to another strong start on Monday, Oct. 26, this time at the Palmetto Invitational hosted by the College of Charleston, shooting a 297 in consecutive rounds to finish up the day in fourth place at 594 at the Oak Point Golf Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.
"The team played really well today," Head Coach Rhyll Brinsmead said. "We got a great team effort from all five players."
Conference rival East Tennessee State is leading the field of 18 after shooting 589 in the first two rounds, followed by the University of Maryland who is sitting just three strokes back. Another conference rival, Campbell, is currently in third, leading the Owls by three strokes.
Patricia Arana led the Owls on the first day of competition with an impressive 2-under par 70 performance in the first round, before carding a 77 in the second round to finish Monday in a tie for 12th at 3-over par 147.
She was followed in the standings by both of the Owls freshmen who finished day one in a tie for 16th. Ket Preamchuen carded rounds of 73 and 75, while Molly Winnett, in only her second tournament of the fall, matched her with rounds of 76 and 72 to end the day one stroke back of Arana at 4-over par 148.
"Patty’s [Arana] 2-under 70 in the morning set us up to go low and Molly’s consistent play through 36 holes was impressive," Brinsmead said.
Next in the standings for the Owls was Jordan Lazenby who finished Monday in a tie for 64th at 14-over par 158 with rounds of 78 and 80.
Abby Fitzgerald completed the scoring for Kennesaw State, turning in a 17-over par 161 performance. After shooting an 88 in the first round, Fitzgerald rebounded in the second, carding a 73 to finish the day.
"To back up our morning round of 297 with another 297 shows the depth and talent of this squad," Brinsmead said. "With a strong finish tomorrow we will place in the top three."
The tournament will conclude tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 27 with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Individual Results
t-12. Patricia Arana: 70-77= 147 (+3)
t-16. Ket Preamchuen: 73-75= 148 (+4)
t-16. Molly Winnet: 76-72= 148 (+4)
t-64. Jordan Lazenby: 78-80= 158 (+14)
t-79. Abby Fitzgerald: 88-73= 161 (+17)
Team Results
1 - East Tennessee State, 289-294=583
2 - Maryland, 296-290=586
3 - Campbell, 298-293=591
4 - Kennesaw State, 297-297=594
5 - East Carolina, 295-303=598
5 - Georgia State, 299-299=598
7 - Kansas, 306-295=601
7 - UALR, 298-303=601
9 - Western Carolina, 300-306=606
10 - Charleston, 299-309=608
10 - Kansas State, 304-304=608
12 - Elon, 310-300=610
13 - Wm. & Mary, 312-302=614
14 - UMKC, 308-312=620
15 - Mississippi State, 315-309=624
16 - Richmond, 313-312=625
17 - Miami, 325-301=626
18 - The Citadel, 331-340=671
