GREENVILLE, S.C. — This was one time the LSU women’s golf team didn’t mind an early tee time. It made a big difference as LSU posted a 14-over 302 first-round score to stand in a tie for third after the first round of the Lady Paladin Invitational at the Furman University Golf Club. Auburn and Wake Forest are tied for the lead three strokes ahead at 11-over 299. Ohio State is tied with LSU.
It started as a blustery day and got worse as strong swirling winds made the 5,984-yard course play even longer and the greens were littered with leaves and debris by the round’s end. The wind is expected to abate somewhat Saturday and Sunday, but temperatures are going to plummet, with highs forecast in the 50s and lows in the 20s.
That could work to the Lady Tigers advantage as they will have an afternoon tee time, hopeful the winds are a bit calmer.
“The girls really played a good opening round,” said LSU coach Karen Bahnsen. “We were able to take advantage of the wind being not as tough as it was on the girls in the afternoon. Now we have to see what conditions we will face in that afternoon wave Saturday.”
Defending United States Women’s Amateur champion Meredith Duncan of Shreveport and LSU fired an even par round of 72 on the opening day and is in a tie for first in the competition with Nuria Clau of Wake Forest. They are one shot better than Ashley Lowery of Ohio State.
Brazilian sophomore Isabel Dornellas returned to form for the Lady Tigers, posting a 3-over 75 to stand in a group tied for sixth after one day. Senior Lindy Hitdlebaugh had a 76 and LSU’s other counting score was a 7-over from Brook Shelton.
The tournament runs through Sunday and is the final event of the fall season for the Lady Tigers.
Lady Paladin Invitational
Greenville, S.C.
Team Results (Par 288)
1. Auburn 299 +11; 1. Wake Forest 299 +11; 3. Ohio State 302 +14; 3. LSU 302 +14; 5. TCU 304 +16; 6. Vanderbilt 308 +20; 7. Purdue 309 +21; 7. Tulane 309 +21; 9. Furman 310 +22; 10. Michigan State 311 +23; 11. Florida 312 +24; 12. North Carolina 314 +26; 13. Louisville 316 +28; 14. Memphis 321 +33; 15. South Carolina 325 +37; 16. Coastal Carolina 326 +38; 16. Winthrop 326 +38; 18. College of Charleston 331 +43; 19. North Carolina-Greensboro 334 +46; 20. Appalachian State 351 +63; 21. Wofford 360 +72.
Top 5 Individuals (Par 72)
1. Meredith Duncan, LSU, 36-36 – 72 E; 1. Nuria Clau, Wake Forest, 37-35 – 72 E; 3. Ashley Lowery, Ohio State, 36-37 – 73 +1; 4. Celeste Troche, Auburn, 37-37 – 74 +2; 4. Maria Beautell, Wake Forest, 38-36 – 74 +2.
LSU Results
T1. Meredith Duncan 36-36 – 72 E
T6. Isabel Dornellas 37-38 – 75 +3
T15. Lindy Hitdlebaugh 39-37 – 76 +4
T49. Brook Shelton 40-39 – 79 +7
T88. Erin Sarver 40-44 – 84 +12
T94. Devon Day 39-46 – 85 +13