Valdosta, GA. – The No. 5 Dalton State women’s golf team has a seven stroke lead after the first day of the 36-hole Thomas University Fall Classic.
The Roadrunners fired a 296 on Monday at the Par-72 Kinderlou Forest Golf Course. SCAD Savannah finished the round at 303. The University of the Cumberlands (KY.) was third with a 304. The hosts from Thomas University were a stroke back at 305.
College of Coastal Georgia (308) is fifth, South Carolina – Beaufort (312) is sixth and Southeastern University (322) is seventh.
A trio of Florida schools round out the 10-team field. They are Webber International (358), Ave Maria (374) and Warner University (406)
Dalton State freshman Katie Dalton completed the day at even par. Diane Lim of Coastal Georgia had the round’s low score at one under, 71. All five DS golfers finished in the 70s. Roadrunner seniors Julia McQuilken and Erika Wardzinski are part of a tie for fourth with a 74 each. Caroline Griffin (76) is part of a tie for 12th and Rachel Rebne finished with a 79.
“I’m really proud of the girls today,” said DS Coach Jim McGrew. “They all played really well and put up solid rounds. Anytime you have five rounds in the 70‘s that is a great day.”
There are 59 golfers in the tournament. The course was set Monday at 5,938 yards with a different setting for Tuesday at 5,943 yards. “We are glad to have a lead in such a strong field, but we know it is just a start,” added McGrew. “We will have to play great again Tuesday to stay where we are. We look forward to the challenge of playing with the lead and seeing where how we respong.”