March 12, 2006
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. - Behind the tournament-winning performance of senior Maria Martinez, the Auburn women's golf team captured the Lady Gamecock Classic Sunday afternoon at the par 72, 5,996-yard University Club.
"I am so proud of the girls," head coach Kim Evans said. "We have really grown in this spring season and things seem to be coming together for us. Like I said yesterday, everyone had a strong performance and kept working hard and overcame a tough first round."
The Tigers fired a 15-over 304-278-297--879 for a 18-stroke win over second-place Tennessee, who fired a 33-over 300-288-309--897. Florida State finished third overall with a 34-over 302-295-301--898.
Martinez led the field with a 4-under 73-68-71--212 performance for the individual title leading Caroline Westrup of Florida State in second, who finished at even par firing a 70-74-72--216. In third is Blair Lamb of Furman (75-70-73--218) and Golda Johansson (72-72-74--218), both at 2-over for the tournament.
Auburn's Nicole Hage finished fifth at 3-over after three rounds with a 74-69-76--219. The junior is followed by sophomore Margaret Shirley in a tie for eighth at 6-over 77-72-73--222, sophomore Abigale Schepperle tied for 22nd at 12-over 80-70-78--228 and junior Jessica Lovell tied for 36th carding a 16-over 83-71-78--232.
Auburn will return to action March 24-26 for the Liz Murphey Classic in Athens, Ga.