GAINESVILLE, Fla. — LSU’s eighth-ranked women’s golf team remained in fifth place after the second round of the Sun Trust Lady Gator Invitational Saturday at the University of Florida Golf Course, but the margin between the Tigers and first place dropped five strokes from 12 to seven.
LSU improved its second round score eight strokes to a 16-over 304 to finish the 36-holes at 40-over 616. LSU’s round was the third best of the afternoon.
Auburn remains the leader at 33-over par 609, five shots ahead of South Carolina at 614. Furman and Florida are tied for third at 615.
The Lady Tigers got consistent scoring on the second day, putting five scores in the 70s, paced by the two-over par 74 round of Kenner senior Lisette Lee. Lee’s two-round total of 10-over 154 is tied for 15th.
LSU’s top player on the individual scoreboard is Shreveport sophomore Meredith Duncan who has posted rounds of 77-75 for an 8-over 152.
She is one shot out of the Top 10 and 11 shots out of the lead held by Jennifer Perri of Furman at 3-under 141 (69-72).
Tina Howard (77-78) and Katy Wilkinson (78-77) are tied for 19th place at 11-over 155 and Lindy Hitdlebaugh is tied for 64th place, after shooting a 78 on Saturday.
“You could tell the difference between the first round of the spring season and the second,” said LSU Coach Karen Bahnsen. “We made shots with greater confidence and we were more focused. If we can come out like that on Sunday, we have a chance for a great finish.”
The final round of the 54-hole tournament is slated for Sunday morning at 8 a.m. EST.
TEAM RESULTS (Par 288-576)
1. Auburn 300-309 — 609 +33; 2. South Carolina 313-301 — 614 +38; 3. Furman 312-303 — 615 +39; 3. Florida 306-309 — 615 +39; 5. LSU 312-304 — 616 +40; 6. Central Florida 307-310 — 617 +41; 6. Alabama 305-312 — 617 +41; 8. Arkansas 317-305 — 622 +46; 9. South Florida 316-310 — 626 +50; 10. Ole Miss 316-313 — 629 +53; 11. Mississippi State 318-317 — 635 +59; 12. Florida State 320-319 — 639 +63; 13. Miami 324-315 — 639 +63; 15. Kentucky 331-325 — 656 +80.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS (Par 72-144)
1. Jennifer Perri, Furman 69-72 — 141 -3; 2. Kristy McPherson, South Carolina, 72-74 — 146; 2. Monica Gundersrud, Central Florida, 74-72 — 146 +2; 4. Courtney Swaim, Auburn, 74-74 — 148 +4; 4. Paula Carter, Alabama, 72-76 — 148 +4.
LSU RESULTS
t11. Meredith Duncan 77-75 — 152 +8
t15. Lisette Lee 80-74 — 154 +10
t19. Tina Howard 77-78 — 155 +11
t19. Katy Wilkinson 78-77 — 155 +11
t64. Lindy Hitdlebaugh 86-78 — 164 +20