Sept. 12, 2005
CHARLESTON, S.C. - The No. 5-ranked Auburn women's golf team made a run in the third round of the Cougar Classic, but was unable to move up as the Tigers finished fourth in the first tournament of the season at the par-72, 6,084-yard Yeamans Hall Golf Club on Monday.
Auburn finished the tournament at 20-over (307-285-292--884) in the three rounds. It was an all-SEC top four as Tennessee claimed the title at 6-over (288-293-289--870), Georgia finished second at 8-over (292-291-289--872) and Vanderbilt finished third at 18-over (306-286-290--882). Virginia rounded out the top five with a 22-over performance (301-290-295--886).
"This was a solid first tournament for us," Auburn head coach Kim Evans said. "We struggled in the first round, but we really came back and finished up the last two rounds strong. I am happy with how we came together and now we need to re-focus and get ready for the Mason Rudolph."
Junior Nicole Hage was the top finisher for the Tigers, carding a 4-over 220 (78-70-72) to finish in a tie for 13th. Hage was followed by Maria Martinez in a tie for 15th at 5-over (74-75-72--221), Abigale Schepperle in a tie for 22nd at 7-over (78-72-73--223), Jessica Lovell tied for 25th at 8-over (77-72-75--224) and Margaret Shirley finished in a tie for 51st at 14-over (83-71-76--230).
Auburn continues fall play Sept. 23-25 at the Mason Rudolph in Nashville, Tenn. at the Vanderbilt Legends Club.