March 22, 2002

Athens, Ga. –
The South Carolina women’s golf team fired a 305 Friday, good enough for fifth place after one round of the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic at the University of Georgia. The Lady Gamecocks are just eight strokes back of Georgia, who leads the field after Friday’s action with a score of 297. Senior Reetta Laakkonen led the way for the Lady Gamecocks, firing a three-over 75 and is currently in a tie for 10th place.

Junior All-American Kristy McPherson didn’t have one of her best days, however is still in good shape with a seven-over 79 (T37), eight strokes back of the lead. The rest of the Lady Gamecocks did well to give USC its current position. Sophomore Adrienne Gautreaux is just one stroke back of teammate Reetta Laakkonen with a four-over 76 and is tied for 20th place. Junior Kacy Thompson and sophomore Marci Robinson each fired a five-over 77, and are tied for 24th place.

Georgia was followed by Florida and Furman who each fired a 301. Auburn shot a 303 and stands in fourth place, while South Carolina rounds out the top five with a three stroke lead over Mississippi State.

Anna Gertsson of Mississippi State leads the individual competition with the only under par round of the day with a score of one-under 71. Summer Sirmons of Georgia is in second place with an even-par 72, followed by a three way tie for third place. Amanda Dick of Florida, Angela Jerman of Georgia, and Leigh Turner of Furman all shot a one-over 73 on Friday.

The Lady Gamecocks will tee off tomorrow at 9:40 am for second round play, as the tournament begins play at 9:00 am.

5 South Carolina, U of 305

T10 Reetta Laakkonen 75 +3
T20 Adrienne Gautreaux 76 +4
T24 Kacy Thompson 77 +5
T24 Marci Robinson 77 +5
T37 Kristy McPherson 79 +7