Women's Golf Leads Mary Fossum Invitational After First Day
9/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Sept. 17, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The host Michigan State women's golf team is leading the Mary Fossum Invitational after two rounds of competition, with a team total of 594 (299-295) on Forest Akers West golf course, giving them a one-stroke lead over second place Southern Methodist.
"There's no question that expectations are very high for our program," said head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, "Having the lead in our home tournament is very exciting."
Northwestern had the best team round of the day with a second-round 292. They totaled 598 (306-292) and sit in third place. Defending champion Michigan compiled a first-day score of 613 (309-304) and is in eighth place.
Junior Heather Rose (Chillocothe, Ohio) scored best for the Spartans with a 147 (76-71), placing her in a tie for second individually. Her 1-under-par 71 in the second round matched her career best.
"We're excited and confident heading into the final round," Rose said. "We're looking forward to seeing how we're going to handle the pressure."
Senior Dayna Burleigh's (Horsham, Pa.) 149 (70-79) included a career-best 70 in the first round. Junior Mandi McConnell (Grand Blanc, Mich.) registered a 149 (75-74) as well. She and Burleigh are tied for 10th. Sophomore Sara Brown (Tucson, Ariz.) shot a 151 (78-73) and is in 29th place. Her second round 73 was highlighted by a stretch of four straight birdies on the front nine. Junior Rachel Meikle (Fort Wayne, Ind.) finished with a total of 160 (83-77) and is tied for 62nd.
Three Spartans competed as individuals. Sophomore Jordyn Wells (Bethel Park, Penn.) fired a 153 (76-77) and is in 28th place, while junior Amanda Wilson (Portage, Mich.) posted a 172 (89-83), and sophomore Kristen Polanski (Livonia, Mich.) recorded a first-round 80.
The individual lead is held by Northwestern's Jennifer Hong. Hong's 146(70-76) gives her a one-stroke lead over four golfers, including Rose.
The Spartans will attempt to capture their second Fossum Invitational title in three years on Sunday, Sept. 18. The final round begins with a shotgun start at 9a.m on Forest Akers West.
For final-round live scoring visit golfstat.com.
Players Mentioned
