LSU moves into 2nd
Ernst one shot back of individual leader
Obviously, qualifying is the most important thing in this event, but we are in a position to win this tournament, and we want to have one more strong round and see what happens.” KAREN BAHNSEN, LSU coach
ERIE, Colo. — Second-seeded LSU did two things it wanted to do Friday on a cold and rainy second-round day at the NCAA Women’s West Regional golf tournament at the Colorado National Golf Club.
In the process, the Lady Tigers put themselves in position to advance to the national championships as a team.
The Lady Tigers, ranked seventh in the country, followed a 3-over 291 Thursday with a round best 2-over 290 Friday to stand at 5-over par 581 for 36 holes. Stanford, ranked 40th, played in the morning wave and moved to the lead at 4-over 580.
Individually, defending NCAA individual champion sophomore Austin Ernst, posted a 3-under round of 69 to go with a 1-under 71 to stand at 4-under 140 for 36 holes. That puts her in second place, one shot out behind Catherine O’Donnell of North Carolina at 139.
Third place is five shots behind LSU at 10-over par 586 with North Carolina and top-seed UCLA tied for the position.
After an opening round played in warm sunshine, Friday’s second round was played at times in a light rain with cool temperatures.
LSU also got a great rebound from freshman Madelene Sagstrom who posted a 70 to finish at 142, moving her up 42 places to a tie for 12th in the individual standings.
LSU also counted a 74 from senior Tessa Teachman and a 77 from senior Jacqueline Hedwall.
“I am so very pleased with how the team came out and played (Friday),” LSU coach Karen Bahnsen said. “Everyone had to play in the same conditions, but the girls blocked it out of their minds and went about their business.
“The team showed a lot of mental toughness. Obviously, qualifying is the most important thing in this event, but we are in a position to win this tournament, and we want to have one more strong round and see what happens.”
LSU will tee off with Stanford and North Carolina off the first tee at 9:36 p.m. Saturday.