GEORGETOWN, S.C. – The High Point University women’s golf team improved upon its first round score by 11 shots Tuesday in Big South Championship second round action at the DeBordieu Club.
After opening with a combined 329 Monday, HPU fired a 318 Tuesday, fueled by an eight-shot improvement from sophomore Cayla Smith. The Easley, S.C., product shot 74 in round two action to move up 11 spots on the leaderboard. She currently is tied for 22nd with a combined score of 156 (82-74).
Smith was consistent all day, making 15 pars and a birdie. Through 36 holes, she is t-8th in the field in par-4 scoring (+5) on the difficult South Carolina trek. Her score was well above the day two course average of 78.30 and Smith was one of just 12 players to shoot 74 or better on the day.
Senior Tan Cheeranont remains tied for 18th after carding a second round 77 Tuesday. She has posted a combined 36-hole total of 155 (78-77) and t-5th in the field in par-3 scoring (E).
Junior Danielle Fuss also improved on her day one total, showcasing a three-shot swing on the strength of two front nine birdies. Fuss shot 77 on Tuesday and is t-26th with a 36-hole total of 157 (80-77).
Freshman Sandrine Yesilian continued her consistency at the No. 4 position for the Panthers and is in 42nd place through her first two rounds of collegiate championship play.
“Cayla scored much better and I’m pleased with her round today,” head coach Vici Pate Flesher said. “She hit a lot of greens and gave herself a number of birdie opportunities. She seemed more confident on her approach shots. Tan and Danielle each played well. If they give themselves more birdie chances, I think tomorrow will be a great day for both of them. Sandrine once again played solid and continues to improve each day.”
The Panthers sit in ninth place with a two-day total of 647 (329-318). Campbell holds the 36-hole lead (589). HPU is within four shots of seventh place heading into final round action.
High Point wraps up play at the 2016 Big South Championship Wednesday. The Panthers will tee off at the No. 10 hole beginning at 8:30 a.m.