Aug. 2, 2012

POWELL, Ohio — The South Carolina team of senior Meredith Swanson and junior Samantha Swinehart posted a combined score of 149 (+5) to claim second place at the Women’s Collegiate Team Championship on Thursday at Wedgewood Golf and Country Club in Powell, Ohio.

Swanson and Swinehart, who had a three-day total of 287 (-1), came up just short of forcing a playoff as they needed two birdies on the final hole to tie for the lead but were only able to make one birdie and a par. Tennessee’s A.J. Newell and Erica Popson, who shot a 144 (E) on Thursday, captured the title with a total of 286 (-2). Newell holed out for eagle on the par-5 18th to secure the win.

The second-place finish wraps up a stellar week for Swanson and Swinehart. The Gamecock teammates carded an even-par 72 in an alternate shot format to open the event and then fired a 6-under 66 in a best ball format in the second round to tie for the lead heading into Thursday. Individually, Swanson carded a 74 (+2) in the final round, which was tied for the 13th best score on the day, while Swinehart tied for the 20th best score with a 75 (+3).

South Carolina was one of 54 programs represented at this year’s championship with teams coming from all levels of collegiate golf, including Division I, II, III and the NAIA.

Swinehart will be back in action next week along with Gamecock signee Sarah Schmelzel in the 2012 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, which will be held Aug. 6-12 at The Country Club in Cleveland, Ohio. South Carolina will open the 2012-13 season on Sept. 9 in the Cougar Classic.