Feb. 25, 2008

RIO GRANDE, P.R. – South Carolina moved into sixth place through two rounds of the Lady Puerto Rico Classic hosted by Purdue University at the Coco Beach Golf Course. The Gamecocks, led by first-year head coach Kalen Anderson are eight strokes off tournament leader Kent State heading into Tuesday’s final round. Sophomore Bénédicte Toumpsin fired a career-best 68 in Monday’s second round after carding a 74 in round one to sit in a tie for fourth place in the event.

Sophomore Taylor Barrett sits in 19th place through two rounds in her first tournament of the season. She followed Sunday’s 76 with a one-over 73 on Monday. Senior Laura Raffo also holds a spot in the top 25 after carding a 72 on Sunday before battling to a 78 on Tuesday.

Seniors Whitney Simons and Camila Mori have shown steady play through the first two rounds. Simons is in a tie for 47th place after rounds of 77 and 76, while Mori’s 77 and 78 have her in a tie for 60th place.

Fellow SEC members LSU, Arkansas and Alabama, along with TCU stand between the Gamecocks and the team title. Stacy Lewis of Arkansas holds the individual lead with rounds of 68 and 70, three strokes over a pair of players in second place and four shots ahead of Toumpsin and another player in fourth.

The tournament concludes on Tue., Feb. 26, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start.