March 30, 2008

GREENSBORO, N.C. – South Carolina women’s golf finished 17th at the Bryan Park National with a three-round score of 980 (321-338-321). Sophomore Bénédicte Toumpsin led the way in 34th place as she improved with each round of the event, carding rounds of 79, 79 and 75 to finish at 233 (+17) for the event.

After opening the tournament with a birdie-free round of 79, Toumpsin managed the course better on Saturday. Despite turning in a matching 79, she put up a pair of birdies then used that improved to put together a round of 75 (+3) on Sunday.

Senior Blythe Worley picked up 72nd place after closing the event with a 79 (+7) to finish with a total of 244 (+28). Worley shot 82 and 83 in the first two rounds before lowering her score on Sunday. Senior Whitney Simons was the Gamecocks’ first-round leader with a 75 but stumbled to an 89 in round two. Sunday she posted an 81 to finish at 245 (+29) and in 75th place.

Freshman Erika Holmen took 88th place with a three-round total of 259 (+43). After a first round 85, she carded matching 87s on Saturday and Sunday. Junior Meredith Taylor completed the team in 90th position. She posted a total of 264 (+48) after rounds of 88, 90 and 86.

Florida made a third-round charge to upend two-round leader Duke for the tournament title. The Gators posted a three-round total of 906 (298-301-307) to finish two shots ahead of the Blue Devils. Arkansas’ Stacy Lewis took the individual title, finishing even at 216 (70-69-77) for the tournament as the Lady Razorbacks finished fourth.

South Carolina have a break before heading to the Southeastern Conference Championship, which begins Fri., April 18, in Knoxville, Tenn.