COLUMBIA, S.C. — The LSU Lady Tiger golf team continued its march toward a second consecutive NCAA Division I championship appearance Friday shooting the low round of the day to move from fourth to second in the NCAA Women’s East Regional golf tournament at the University Club.
The Tigers posted a four-over par score of 292 and stands at 15-over par 591, eight shots behind leader Furman who is at seven-over 583. LSU is one shot ahead of Georgia with top-ranked Duke in fourth at 597.
The top eight teams advance to the NCAA Championships in two weeks in Tulsa and the eighth and final qualifying spot presently belongs to Auburn at 28-over 604, 13 shots behind LSU.
Lisette Lee, the Kenner junior, continues her amazing performances of late, posting a second consecutive round of one-under par 71 to stand in a tie for first after 36 holes at two-under par 142 with Jennifer Perri and Stacey Burnett, both of Furman. Beth Bauer of Duke is two shots back at 144, even par.
Tina Howard off her 72 on Thursday, came back with a strong two-over 74 and is in a group tied for eighth at two-over 146. Katy Wilkinson improved eight strokes on the second day to an even par 72 and her 152 is in a group tied for 42nd place at 152. Leslie McClurg had her LSU low round of 75 and Meredith Duncan added a 77.
“This was amazing today to watch this team shoot the season low round under the pressure of the qualify or it’s over setup,” said LSU Coach Karen Bahnsen. “But we can’t relax. We have to be focused and finish the job on Saturday.”
The final round of the event is scheduled for Saturday.
NCAA EAST REGIONAL GOLF
At Columbia, S.C.
SECOND ROUND TEAM RESULTS (Par 288-576)
1. Furman 290-293 — 583 +7; 2. LSU 299-292 — 591 +15; 3. Georgia 300-294 — 594 +18; 4. Duke 297-300 — 597 +21; 5. Florida State 296-304 — 600 +24; Ohio State 301-299 — 600 +24; 7. South Carolina 299-302 — 601 +25; 8. Auburn 306-298 — 604 +28; 9. South Florida 299-307 — 606 +30; 10. Wake Forest 307-300 — 607 +31; North Carolina 308-299 — 607 +31; 12. Tennessee 312-296 — 608 +32; Michigan State 304-304 — 608 +32; 14. Memphis 301-301 — 611 +35; 15. Penn State 307-308 — 615 +39; 16. Indiana 310-306 — 616 +40; 17. Mississippi 312-306 — 618 +42; 18. Purdue 316-303 — 619 +43; 19. Campbell 311-312 — 623 +47.
Individual Leaders (Par 72-144)
1. Jennifer Perri, Furman, 71-71 — 142 -2; Stacey Burnett, Furman, 72-70 — 142 -2; Lisette Lee, LSU, 71-71 — 142 -2; 4. Beth Bauer, Duke, 74-70 — 144 E; 5. Sarah Johnston, Alabama, 73-72 — 145 +1; Kelly Lagedrost, South Florida, 145 +1; Natalie Tucker, Memphis, 71-74 — 145 +1
LSU Scores
t1. Lisette Lee 71-71 –142 -2
t8. Tina Howard 72-74 — 146 +2
t42. Katy Wilkinson 80-72 — 152 +8
t50. Leslie McClurg 78-75 — 153 +9
t63. Meredith Duncan 78-77 — 155 +11