May 8, 2003

The University of South Carolina women’s golf team fired a 303 (19-over-par) Thursday to jump into a tie for eighth place in the first round of the 2003 NCAA East Regional held at the Salem Glen Country Club (par 71, 6,116 yards) in Clemmons, North Carolina.

All-American Kristy McPherson is tied for the lead as the senior from Conway, South Carolina, recorded a 68 but was tied later on by Furman’s Brandi Jackson. McPherson’s 68 ties her season-low round from the opening round at the SEC Championships. The two-time SEC Medalist has recorded 12 par-or-better rounds in her 25 rounds this season.

“The team got off to a slow start today and made some early mistakes,” said USC head coach Kristi Coggins. “I feel like we got it back together at the end of the day and I’m confident that we’ll come back and play well Friday and Saturday. Kristy McPherson played great today. She’s feeling good. This Salem Glen course sets up well for our games and I believe we’ll be in good shape tomorrow.”

Last year’s NCAA champion Duke leads the team competition with a four-over-par 288 on the first day. Florida State is second after shooting a 290 while fellow SEC member Georgia is third with a 294.

Tiffany Catafygiotu carded a 75 (+4) on Thursday to grab a share of 31st place. Kacy Thompson and Adrienne Gautreaux each shot 80 (+9) to join a seven-person logjam at 79th place. Marci Robinson shot an 81 to finish tied for 86th place.

South Carolina returns on Friday for day two of the Regional with a 12:30 tee time.

South Carolina needs to finish as one of the top eight teams in order to advance to the NCAA Championships in Lafayette, Indiana, May 20-23rd.

Team Results
1 Duke +4 288
2 Florida State +6 290
3 Georgia +10 294
4 Vanderbilt +11 295
5 Auburn +14 298
6 East Carolina +16 300
7 North Carolina +17 301
T8 Arizona +19 303
T8 NC State +19 303
T8 South Carolina +19 303

Individual USC Results
T1 Kristy McPherson 68 -3
T31 Tiffany Catafygiotu 75 +4
T79 Kacy Thompson 80 +9
T79 Adrienne Gautreaux 80 +9
T86 Marci Robinson 81 +10