HPU Women’s Golf in Tie for Fourth at Big South Champs

NINETY SIX, S.C. — The High Point University women’s golf team finished the first day of the Big South Championships with one round remaining in a tie for fourth place Friday (April 13) at The Patriot Golf Club (Par 72 – 6,175 yards) in Ninety Six, S.C.

The Panthers had rounds of 305 and 310 and are in a tie for fourth place with 615. Campbell leads at 583, followed by Charleston Southern (611) and Longwood (612). HPU is tied with Winthrop, followed by UNC Asheville (620), Radford (630), Presbyterian (630) and Gardner-Webb (677).

“The girls fought hard today, I was pleased with their composure and commitment to their game plans,” HPU head coach Alexis Bennett said. “We left ourselves very short-sided on a few holes and didn’t have our best stuff around the greens, but we are in a great position to move up tomorrow. This team fights hard to the end every week, a trait that will serve us well in the final round.”

Sophomore Samantha Vodry leads the Panthers and is fourth overall at 3-over 147 after rounds of 74 and 73. With six birdies today, Vodry is three birdies shy of the single-season record of 65, held by Sarah Bae in 2013-14.

Fellow sophomore Tonrak Tasaso finished the first day in a tie for 13th at 9-over 153 with rounds of 74 and 79.

Sophomore Anna-Marie Kuenzle sits in a tie for 22nd place at 13-over 157 after rounds of 77 and 80. Senior Cayla Smith is a stroke behind in a tie for 25th at 14-over 158 after an 80 and a 78. Freshman Anna Holmberg is in 40th place with a two-round total of 169.

With 16 birdies today, the Panthers have broken the previous single-season record of 232 in 2013-14.

The third and final round begins Saturday morning (April 14). The Panthers will tee off between 8-8:40 a.m. and will be paired with Winthrop and UNC Asheville.