By: By Al Barba
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Tournament CentralOXFORD, Miss. – In its finale tune-up before the Atlantic Sun Conference Championships, the Kennesaw State women's golf team turned in a season-best tying performance at the 18-team Rebel Intercollegiate that concluded Saturday at the par-72, 6,279-yard Ole Miss Golf Course in Oxford, Miss.
Behind a career-best performance from junior
Mette Pedersen, the Owls turned in the low score of the tournament, posting a third-round 5-under par 283 to finish in second place at 10-over par 874, three shots behind No. 32 GRU Augusta which won the event at 7-over par 871. KSU began the day tied for fifth and remained tied for fifth after two rounds at 15-over par 591.
Kennesaw State's final total of 874 represents the third-best 54-hole score in the history of the Rebel Intercollegiate, and the Owls' final-round 283 is the second-lowest 18-hole score in the tournament's history.
"Today was one of the best days I've ever had in my coaching career," Kennesaw State head coach Rhyll Brinsmead said. "To be able to sit back and watch your team execute as well as we did today is beyond satisfying. We've been working towards this consistency all season and it couldn't have come at a better time.
"We made clutch putts and hit shots that were crucial down the stretch," Brinsmead added. "I'm very proud of the team one through five. Each player contributed in their own way to this performance. We will use this as momentum heading into conference. Earning wins over multiple top 50 teams proves this team can compete with anyone."
The Rebel Intercollegiate field included five teams in Golfstat's Top 50, and the Owls placed ahead of No. 27 Kentucky (7th), No. 33 Tulane (T3rd), No. 43 East Tennessee State (5th) and No. 44 Notre Dame (T13th).
Pedersen, who transferred to Kennesaw State in January, had a career-day as she tied for fourth with a 1-under par score of 215. She posted an even-par 72 in the second round before turning in a 2-under par 70 in the final round.
The Owls' junior recorded nine birdies over her final two rounds, including five in the third round. Pedersen, who established career-bests for finish (T4th), 54-hole score (215), 36-hole score (144) and 18-hole score (70), finished five shots behind GRU Augusta's Jessica Haigwood who claimed individual medalist honors with a 6-under par total of 210.
Junior
Kaew Preamchuen turned in the low round of the tournament as she closed with a 4-under par 68 that included seven birdies en route to tying for sixth place with an even-par total of 216.
Freshman
Dulcie Sverdloff and junior
Ines Lescudier tied for 24th with 6-over par scores of 222, while freshman
Laura Estefenn (231) tied for 73rd.
Kennesaw State, which equaled its best finish of the season (second at Amelia Island Collegiate), will next be in action when it competes at the A-Sun Conference Championships beginning April 14 at Jekyll Island Golf Club in Jekyll Island, Ga.
Keep up with Owls women's golf by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsWmnsGolf or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook. - #GoOwls –
