HPU Women’s Golf Leads Winthrop Intercollegiate after First Day

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The High Point University women’s golf tied a school record and leads the competition by 15 strokes after the first day of the Winthrop Intercollegiate Saturday (Oct. 21) at the Rock Hill Country Club (Par 72 – 5,993 yards) in Rock Hill, S.C.

The Panthers shot 286 (-2) and have a 15-stroke lead, ahead of Presbyterian (301), Winthrop (304), Appalachian State (307) and UNC Asheville (309). HPU’s big first round tied the school record for low round and low round against par with the Panthers’ second round at the 2017 Big South Championships.

Senior Cayla Smith leads the individual standings after a 4-under 68, which ties the school record for low round and low round against par. Smith had five birdies and an eagle during the round. Freshman Anna Holmberg is one stroke behind after a 3-under 69, the first round under par of her collegiate career.

“It was obviously a great day for us,” HPU head coach Alexis Bennett said. “The girls played such smart golf and stayed out of trouble which really allowed us to capitalize on an already solid round. Tying the scoring record is an added bonus but I’m more happy for Cayla and Anna individually. Shooting in the 60s is such a milestone in this game and to have two players do it on the same day was really something special. We’re looking forward to building off of today’s momentum in tomorrow’s round.”

Sophomore Tonrak Tasaso shot 1-over 73 and sits in a tie for sixth place, while fellow sophomore Samantha Vodry is tied for 11th at 4-over 76. Freshman Caitie Gelhausen is tied for 48th at 87.

The second and final round begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start.