Oct. 9, 2011

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The South Carolina women’s golf team posted a final-round 294 (+6) on Sunday to finish in 11th place at the Tar Heel Invitational at the UNC Finley Golf Course. The Gamecocks concluded the tournament with a three-day score of 882 (+18).

“Obviously it was not the finish we were looking for after the good start we had,” South Carolina head coach Kalen Harris said. “However, there are so many positives to build on right now with regards to everyone. We just need to remain patient. We are very close to putting together a great tournament.”

Junior Meredith Swanson bounced back from a 79 on Saturday to lead the way for South Carolina in the final round. Swanson carded an even-par 72 and finished the tournament in a tie for 37th with a score of 222 (+6).

Senior Katie Burnett claimed the highest finished for the Gamecocks despite a final-round 78 (+6) as she tied for 21st with a score of 219 (+3).

Sophomore Suzie Lee shaved four strokes off her second-round score to shoot 1-over 73 on Sunday. Lee’s three-day score of 223 (+7) left her in a tie for 44th.

Sophomore Katie Rose Higgins carded her second-consecutive round of 74 (+2) to wrap up the tournament in a tie for 55th with a score of 225 (+9), while junior Amanda Strang recorded a 75 (+3) on Sunday to tie for 73rd with a 227 (+11).

Freshman Justine Dreher played the event as an individual and turned in a final-round 77 (+5). Dreher, whose round of 68 on Saturday was the lowest round ever by a South Carolina freshman, finished the tournament in a tie for 37th with a score of 222 (+6).

LSU claimed the team title with a three-day score of 856 (-8), followed by Alabama (860), Auburn (861), host North Carolina (862) and North Carolina State (869). Auburn’s Marta Sanz fired a final-round 68 (-4) to win medalist honors by a stroke with a three-round total of 207 (-9).

The Gamecocks’ next tournament is the SEC/Pac-12 Challenge on Oct. 21 in Knoxville, Tenn. The three-day event will be held at Holston Hills Country Club.

SOUTH CAROLINA RESULTS
T21. Katie Burnett 68-73-78=219 (+3)
T37. Meredith Swanson 71-79-72=222 (+6)
T44. Suzie Lee 73-77-73=223 (+7)
T55. Katie Rose Higgins 77-74-74=225 (+9)
T73. Amanda Strang 77-75-75=227 (+11)
* T37. Justine Dreher 77-68-77=222 (+6)
*Played as an individual.

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS
1. LSU 856 (-8)
2. Alabama 860 (-4)
3. Auburn 861 (-3)
4. North Carolina 862 (-2)
5. North Carolina State 869 (+5)
T6. Tennessee 870 (+6)
T6. Georgia 870 (+6)
T8. Michigan State 877 (+13)
T8. Wake Forest 877 (+13)
10. Duke 879 (+15)
11. South Carolina 882 (+18)
T12. Louisville 884 (+20)
T12. Virginia 884 (+20)
14. Tulane 888 (+24)
15. Arkansas 890 (+26)
16. Chattanooga 897 (+33)
17. Coastal Carolina 901 (+37)
18. Notre Dame 909 (+45)