March 7, 2007

Columbia, S.C. –

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The South Carolina women’s golf team is ranked No. 25 in this week’s GolfWeek poll and are No. 24 in the nation in this week’s Golf World/NGCA Coaches’ Poll. The Gamecocks, who compete at the “Mo” Morial Invitational in Bryan, Texas this weekend, cracked into the top 25 for the first time this season. Carolina is one of seven ranked teams competing at the “Mo” Morial, which will be played at the par-72, 6255-yard Traditions Club.

Junior Camila Mori (72.55 stroke average), senior Jenna Pearson (74.91 stroke average), freshman Bénédicte Toumpsin (75.91 stroke average), freshman Taylor Barrett (76.38 stroke average) and junior Blythe Worley (78.50 stroke average) will be represent Carolina in the field. Pearson, ranked No. 68 in the current GolfWeek rankings, is one of 18 ranked players competing.

Last Time Out
The South Carolina women’s golf team held strong to finish fifth at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic this weekend with a three-round score of 294-295-303=892, finishing at 28-over par as a team and 19 strokes behind tournament-winner Auburn. Junior Camila Mori finished ahead of 15 players ranked in the top-100 in the nation, shooting a weekend 74-74-72=220 to finish at four-over par to place in a tie for 12th on the individual leader board. Her final round 72 was a season-best as she hit even par on all 18 holes. Senior Jenna Pearson tied for 21st at six-over while freshman Bénédicte Toumpsin continued to improve her position with each round, moving into a tie for 33rd at 12-over. Junior Whitney Simons finished tied for 40th while Blythe Worley followed to finish 43rd at 15-over.

Mori Finishes Strong
Junior Camila Mori enjoyed a solid weekend at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic, finishing ahead of 15 players ranked in the top-100 in the nation at the time. Her final round 72 was a season-high as she hit an even par on all 18 holes.

Barrett Returns To Lineup
Freshman Taylor Barrett returns to the lineup at the “Mo” Morial Invitational this weekend after staying home for the Lady Puerto Rico Classic. The 2005 Beth Daniel Award winner as the top high school player in the state of South Carolina, Barrett’s best performance thus far was when she tied for 14th at The Derby Invitational after shooting a final round 72 with six birdies.