Sept. 11, 2005
CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Auburn women's golf team rebounded from a slow start on the first 18 holes to a tie for fourth in the Cougar Classic at the Yeamans Hall Golf Club, a par 72, 6,084-yard course Sunday.
In the first round, the Tigers shot a 16-over 307, but fought back in the second round to shoot an even par 285, the best second-round score of the day.
"We got off to a slow start, but this team showed me it has some fight to it," Auburn head coach Kim Evans said. "I am proud of how they responded and now we have to look to tomorrow and hope to have another strong round to finish off the tournament."
Junior Nicole Hage shot a 6-over 78 on the first 18 holes, but came back in the second for a 2-under 70 for a two-round total of 148, tying her for 19th. Jessica Lovell (77-72--149) and Maria Martinez (74-75--149) both finished the day at 5-over, tied for 22nd, Abigale Schepperle (78-72--150) finished the day in a tie for 28th at 6-over and Margaret Shirley ended the day in a tie for 50th with a 10-over total of 83-71--154, improving by 12 strokes.
Tennessee leads the Cougar Classic with one round remaining at 5-over (288-293--581), followed by Georgia at 7-over (292-291--583), Virginia in third at 15-over (301-290--591) and Auburn (307-285--592), North Carolina State (300-292--592) and Vanderbilt (306-286--592) each tied for fourth at 16-over.
The tournament, originally scheduled for Sept. 12 and 13, was moved up one day due to the expected inclement weather conditions in the Charleston area.
Auburn wraps up the Cougar Classic Monday with 18 holes remaining. Live action can be found on www.golfstat.com and daily updates will be posted on www.auburntigers.com.