With senior Courtney Shelton leading the way, the Lee women's golf team zipped by Lander University (S.C.) in the final round of the 54-hole TSYS Collegiate Classic on Tuesday and claimed top honors on the 5821-yard, par 72 Country Club of Columbus course.
Shelton carded a 2-over 74 in the final round and finished with a 223, four strokes better than Elizabeth Swallow (227).
Swallow had a 71 for the best round on the final day. Lee's Bernadette Little placed third (228). On TuesdayLittle matched Shelton with a 74. Mariana Martins of Lander was fourth (229) and Elaine Wood rounded out the top five with a 234.
It marked the third medalist crown of the year for Shelton, who has now won 10 times during her Lee career. "Both Courtney and Bernadette played well today," commented coach John Maupin. "Our entire team played better. Cori (Burns) and Madison (Alexander) came back strong after yesterday's final round."
Burns had a 77 on Tuesday. The 54-hole total of 240 put her in a tie for 10th. Alexander came in with a 79. Her 243 was good enough for the No. 14 spot. Callie Kitchens rounded out the scoring with an 84 and a 255 tally.
As a team the Lady Flames turned in a 934. Lander followed at 939. Montevallo (Ala.) was third (950. West Alabama placed fourth (996) and host Columbus State rounded out the top five (1005).
"We beat a Lander team that is ranked in the top 25 by NCAA Division II," noted Maupin. "In fact, the entire field was solid. I believe they all had at least a top 50 ranking.
The Lady Flames will continue to work on their games and return to action onMarch 23-24 when they take part in the Wingate Pinehurst Classic.