Feb. 25, 2007
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico - The sixth-ranked Auburn women's golf team started the 2007 campaign off with a bang, winning the Lady Puerto Rico Classic by five strokes over top-ranked Georgia at the Coco Beach Golf Course in Rio Grande. Sophomore Mariana Macias, playing in just her second lineup as a Tiger, finished in a five-way tie for first.
This victory marks Auburn's second at the Classic, as the team took the title in 2005. The Tigers three-day tally of 873 (292-284-297--873) marked the best team score at the three tournaments and the lowest of the 2006-07 season.
"I am very excited about how the girls came and played this weekend," head coach Kim Evans said. "I was very proud of our patience today as it was a tough course to play today with the weather conditions. I really couldn't be happier for Mariana [Macias]. This was just the second time she has played in our lineup and for her to come out and play three solid days of golf was impressive."
Macias shot a 77 in the final round under windy conditions and tied with Georgia's Alina Lee, Alabama's Jenny Suh, TCU's Valentine Derry and Oklahoma State's Pernilla Lindberg. There was no playoff to determine an overall champion. The victory marked Macias' first of her career.
All four remaining Tigers finished in the top 25 in a field of 85 competitors. Newcomer Candace Schepperle carded a 74 (72-72-74--218) in the final round to tie for sixth, while senior Nicole Hage shot a 76 (73-72-76--221) to end up in a tie for 16th. Junior Margaret Shirley shot a one-under 71 (72-72-71--222) on Sunday, her best of the tournament, and finished in a tie for 21st. Red-shirt freshman Marisa Milligan posted a 76 (77-70-76--223) and finished 25th.
Auburn returns to the links on March 16-18 at the LSU/Cleveland Golf Classic in Baton Rouge. The tournament will be played at the par-72, 6,338 yard University Club.