HPU Women’s Golf: Fuss fabulous on day one in Charleston

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – Led by an outstanding performance from senior Danielle Fuss, the High Point University women’s golf team sits in sixth place after day one at the Charleston Southern Fall Invitational.

HPU posted a combined score of 303 (+12) in the first round, then completed a majority of the second round before it was called due to darkness.

“Overall, I was impressed with how the girls handled today,” head coach Alexis Bennett said. “We got off to a very shaky start in the morning but were able to hold it together and made a really nice run in round two before the lightning delay hit. I think we learned a lot about where our hard work is paying off, as well as where we still need to improve. I’m excited to get back out there tomorrow and see if we can continue to build on today’s momentum.”

HPU is in sixth through the better part of two rounds with a total score to par of +27. Georgia Southern leads the event (-2), followed by College of Charleston (+3), Charleston Southern (+4), Presbyterian College (+19) and Bethune-Cookman (+24).

After the Panthers, the field includes Limestone College (+28), Longwood (+30) and USC Upstate (+32).

Fuss has put together a superb performance thus far in Charleston and currently sits t-9th with a cumulative score to par of +2. The Rochester, N.Y., native fired a one-under par 71 in the opening round, fueled by a trio of birdies and 13 pars. The round marked the third best of her High Point University career. She is +3 in her second round through 14 holes and is t-3rd in the field in total birdies (7).

“I’m really proud of how hard our team has been practicing in the weeks leading up to this tournament,” Fuss said. “The effort in practice has really given me a sense of confidence with my putting, and with coach’s help, I was able to make some important putts. It was a long day and I’m proud of our team for continuing to fight. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Freshman Tonrak Tasaso is t-26th after 35 holes with a combined score to par of +6. She fired a first round score of +75 (+3) while making 15 pars.

Fellow freshman Samantha Vodry sits t-37th (+9) with a two-round score of 153 (77-76). Vodry has made four birdies through her first two rounds at the event.

Rounding out the HPU scoring, junior Cayla Smith is tied for 42nd (+10) with six holes to play in her second 18, while freshman Anna-Marie Kuenzle has one hole to play in round two and is 50th (+16).

The Panthers will wrap up their second round tomorrow before suiting up for final round action at the CSU Fall Invite.