Caroline Griffin
Montgomery – The number three ranked Dalton State women’s golf team (306) trails No. 18 William Carey (300) after the first day of the 36-hole, nine-team Southern States Athletic Conference championship tournament at Montgomery Country Club.
Roadrunner sophomore Caroline Griffin, last year’s medalist, has the first day individual lead with a one-under-par 71. There is a four-way tie for second.
Diane Lim and Sarah Gillard of Coastal Georgia and Hope Biggs and Emily Pellerin of William Carey each carded a 73.
William Carey’s Kennedy Windlan is all alone in sixth with a 75. Kyra Plotner of Mobile (75) is seventh. The Roadrunners’ Julia McQuilken and Katie Dalton are part of a four-way tie for eighth with Heather Nail of Mobile and Brooke Fuller of Faulkner – each with a 77.
Dalton State’s Rachel Rebne (81) is tied for 21st and Carly Shane is 34th in the 45-player field.
“It was a solid day,” according to DS Coach Jim McGrew. “We left some shots out there, but overall played solid. William Carey played great and all you can do is tip your hat to them. We have been in this situation before and have found a way to respond. We can not control what other teams to. All we can do is go play one shot at a time and see where it puts us.”
No. 10 Coastal Georgia (312) is third followed by No. 25 Mobile (317), (RV) Faulkner University (322), Brenau University (326), Loyola of New Orleans (328), Bethel (Tn.) (359), and Martin Methodist (362).
Rain is in the forecast as the tournament concludes on Tuesday. “Mental toughness will come into play if the weather is a factor,” said McGrew. “”We look forward to the challenge.”