May 23, 2003

West Lafayette, Indiana — Seniors Kristy McPherson and Kacy Thompson ended their four-year career at the University of South Carolina Friday by leading the USC women’s golf team to a 15-over-par 303 outing in the final round of the 2003 NCAA Championships. For the 72-hole event, USC scored 1248 (+96) over the four day championship played at the Kampen Course of the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana.

“We got better each day and today we played better than we scored,” said head coach Kristi Coggins. “I’m proud of the way our team adjusted to the course and the weather. I saw some great things out there things week. One of the reasons I’m so proud of this team is their fight and pride. These girls never quit or give up. They didn’t start out the way we wanted to Tuesday but played hard to the end.

“Watching these two seniors finish their last round of college is bittersweet for me. I’m sad to see Kristy and Kacy leave but I’m proud of what they accomplished and can’t wait to see what they’ll do with their lives and careers. They’ve been great Gamecocks and leader for all of their four years.”

“Today’s final round was exciting and sad for me,” said McPherson. “I wanted to have a solid round to end it today but I didn’t have a great front nine with the 39 but finished the back with a 34. It was a decent way for me to go out. I know we wanted to do better as a team here at the NCAA Championships but I’m proud of my teammates and the way we kept fighting. I’ll remember the two SEC Championships fondly but I think my best college memory will always be the opportunity to play with my best friends over these four years.”

“It has been an awesome four years for me,” said Thompson. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I hate that I played like I did today because I wanted to finish my career with a good number. I will always be a Gamecock and hope to be a big part of next year’s team, indirectly, by supporting my sister, Kory, and the team.”

Senior Kristy McPherson finished her last collegiate round with a one-over-par 73 on the day to to exit in 39th place with a four-day total of 305 (+17). Junior Adrienne Gautreaux carded a four-over-par 76 Friday to finish tied for 61st at 310 (+22). Sophomore Tiffany Catafygiotu recorded a three-over-par 75 in the final round to finish 76th at 313 (+25). Senior Kacy Thompson ended her career with a 79 Friday to finish tied for 90th at 321 (+33). Junior Marci Robinson posted an 82 in the final round for a 115th finish and a four-day total of 328 (+40).

INDIVIDUAL GAMECOCK GOLFERS
T39th Kristy McPherson 79 78 75 73 305 +17
T61st Adrienne Gautreaux 80 79 75 76 310 +22
T76th Tiffany Catafygiotu 79 81 78 75 313 +25
T90th Kacy Thompson 80 81 81 79 321 +33
T115th Marci Robinson 85 80 81 82 328 +40