April 4, 2003

The 14th-ranked South Carolina Lady Gamecocks are within four strokes of the lead after Friday’s first round action at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic in Athens, Georgia. USC shot an 11-over-par 299 on the first day and hold sixth place, trailing co-leaders Florida and Duke by only four strokes (295, +7).

Sophomore Tiffany Catafygiotu paced South Carolina by shooting a career-low one-under-par 71 to force a three-way tie for fourth place. The Greer, South Carolina native had appeared in six previous tournaments before today with her highest finish a 21st showing in this year’s Lady Gamecock Classic. Catafygioutu was originally scheduled to compete as an individual but became the Gamecocks’ fifth player when senior Kristy McPherson was forced to sit out this weekend to reinstate her NCAA eligibility.

“I’m pleased with today’s performance,” said USC head coach Kristi Coggins. “And considering the fact that we just found out this morning that we would have to play without two-time SEC champion Kristy McPherson, I think we played with a lot of heart. We made some great scores and some great pars. And, we know that we left some shots out there today and expect to get better tomorrow.

Junior Marci Robinson contributed a 75 to grab a share of 24th place while senior Kacy Thompson shot a 76 to tie for 29th place. Junior Kory Thompson had a 77 (T36) and Adrienne Gautreaux carded a 78 (T47th). Freshman Erica Battle competed as an individual and shot an 82 Friday.

South Carolina returns to the course Saturday and will compete with either Wake Forest, East Carolina or Auburn.

Competing on the same University of Georgia Golf Course on which South Carolina captured the 2002 SEC Championships last April, the Gamecocks are one of 17 teams competing in the 31st annual Classic this weekend. South Carolina has seven top 10 finishes and two top five finishes so far this year. Last year, the Gamecocks opened up the Classic by shooting a 305 and went on to finish fourth out of 18 teams.

Liz Murphy Collegiate Classic
University of Georgia G.C (Athens, GA)
April 4-6, 2003
Par: 72 Yardage: 6014

Rk Schools Scores
1. Florida 295 +7
Duke 295 +7
3. Wake Forest 298 +10
Auburn 298 +10
East Carolina 298 +10
6. South Carolina 299 +11
7. Georgia 300 +12

Gamecock Golfers
T6th Tiffany Catafygioutu 34-37 71 -1
T24th Marci Robinson 38-37 75 +3
T29th Kacy Thompson 38-38 76 +4
T36th Kory Thompson 37-40 77 +5
T47th Adrienne Gautreaux 40-38 78 +6
T77th Erica Battle 40-42 82 +10