GAINESVILLE, Fla. — LSU seniors Meredith Duncan and Lindy Hitdlebaugh, showing no rust from the fall to spring seasons, helped lead the 18th-ranked LSU women’s golf team to a first round tie in the SunTrust Lady Gator Invitational Friday at the University of Florida Golf Course.
Duncan, a winner in the final fall tournament in November and the 2001 United States Women’s Amateur champion, opened with a 1-under par score of 69 to lead the individual competition by one stroke over three golfers: Federica Piovano of Central Florida, Fany Schaeffer of South Florida and Kacy Thompson of South Carolina, who all posted even par 70s.
Hitdlebaugh finished her first 18 holes in 1-over 71 and stands in a group tied for fifth place.
As a team, LSU posted a score of 18-over par 298, tied with the host Lady Gators and the defending NCAA championship team from Georgia. It was LSU and Georgia that went to the wire on this course last year before Georgia eased in front to win the SEC title.
South Florida is one shot back at 299 with Mississippi State fifth at 301.
“It was a great way to open,” said LSU Coach Karen Bahnsen. “You are always concerned, and we have been notoriously slow sometimes, coming out after a break. But for the most part we did a good job, but we know we can do better and will work to improve.”
LSU also counted an 8-over 78 from freshman Brooke Shelton and a 10-over score from sophomore Isabel Dornellas.
The tournament continues through Sunday.
SUN TRUST LADY GATOR
Gainesville, Fla.
Team Results (Par 280)
1. (tie) LSU, Florida and Georgia 298 +18; 4. South Florida 299 +19; 5. Mississippi State 301 +21; 6. Alabama 302 +22; 7. South Carolina 304 +24; 8. Kentucky 305 +25; 9. (tie) Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and North Carolina 307 +27; 12. Central Florida 308 +28; 13. Florida State 312 +32; 14. Florida International 317 +37; 15. Arkansas 319 +39.
Top 5 Individuals (Par 70)
1. Meredith Duncan, LSU, 35-34 – 69 -1; 2. Federica Piovano, UCF, 37-33 – 70 E; 2. Fany Schaeffer, S. Florida, 35-35 – 70 E; 2. Kacy Thompson, S. Carolina, 35-35 – 70 E. 5. Angela Jerman, Georgia, 36-35 – 71 +1; 5. Anna Gertsson, Miss. St., 34-37 – 71 +1; 5. Ashley Prange, North Carolina, 34-37 – 71 +1; 5. Lindy Hitdlebaugh, LSU, 34-37 – 71 +1.
LSU Scores
1. Meredith Duncan, 35-34 – 69 -1
t5. Lindy Hitdlebaugh 34-37 – 71 +1
t39. Brooke Shelton 39-39 – 78 +8
t56. Isabel Dornellas 38-42 – 80 +10
t67. Devon Day 40-42 – 82 +12