WEST POINT, Miss. – The Auburn women's golf team fired a 4-under 284 in the third and final round Wednesday to move up two spots and finish third in The Ally at Old Waverly.
Early on, it was clear the Tigers were poised to make a move. Led by junior Mychael O'Berry, Auburn jumped out to 5-under through four holes. O'Berry made six birdies on the first nine holes and finished the round with seven birdies and a career-low 68 (-4). She jumped from 47th into a tie for 22nd on the player leaderboard.
It was another strong day for freshman Elina Sinz who capped her week with a 72 (E) in Wednesday's third round. Sinz, who shot 68 (-4) and 71 (-1) in the first two rounds, placed sixth overall at 5-under in what was her first career tournament at Auburn.
"The 'best day for last day' came to fruition," Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen said. "What a solid showing by Elina. I am very impressed with her stoic mindset. I am pleased with the grit from all our players for digging deep for every shot. These girls love 'team golf.' It was a fun day on the course."
Megan Schofill shot a 71 (-1) on Wednesday to finish at 1-over for the tournament. The returning freshman, who was making her season debut this week, was second on the team and tied for 16th overall. She's now finished top 20 in six of the eight tournaments she's played in at Auburn.
Junior Kaleigh Telfer and freshman Anna Foster both finished inside the top 40 individually. Telfer closed out with a 73 (+1) in the third round while Foster carded a 75 (+3). Foster, playing in her first collegiate tournament, was third on the team with nine total birdies.
Auburn's 284 in the third round was matched only by South Carolina, the tournament champion.
The Tigers will wrap up the fall schedule next month with the Liz Murphey Fall Collegiate Classic, held Nov. 6-8 at the UGA Golf Course in Athens, Georgia.
Team Standings
1. South Carolina – 852 (-12)
2. LSU – 857 (-7)
3. Auburn – 861 (-3)
4. Ole Miss – 863 (-1)
5. Georgia – 868 (+4)
T6. Tennessee – 870 (+6)
T6. Florida – 870 (+6)
8. Alabama – 874 (+10)
T9. Arkansas – 879 (+15)
T9. Vanderbilt – 879 (+15)
11. Mississippi State – 883 (+19)
12. Kentucky – 892 (+28)
13. Texas A&M – 894 (+30)
14. Missouri – 915 (+51)
15. Southern Miss – 939 (+75)
Auburn Individuals
6. Elina Sinz – 68, 71, 72 (-5)
T16. Megan Schofill – 72, 74, 71 (+1)
T22. Mychael O'Berry – 76, 74, 68 (+2)
T31. Kaleigh Telfer – 71, 76, 73 (+4)
T38. Anna Foster –72, 75, 75 (+6)
Auburn closes strong to finish third at The Ally
Walt Beazley