The ranked Dalton State women’s golf team fell victim to stormy weather on Tuesday, but refused to stay down as the first 18-holes of the 22nd annual NAIA Women’s Golf Championship was completed on Wednesday at Savannah Quarters Country Club.
The No. 3 ranked Roadrunners took advantage of better weather on Wednesday to finish the first round as part of a three-way tie for seventh with unranked SSAC tournament champions William Carey and No. 4 ranked SCAD – Savannah. Each team shot a 312.
“I am pleased with the position we are in considering the circumstances we had to deal with,” said DS Coach Jim McGrew.
“I really felt like we would be further back than we are with the better conditions that teams in today. I am really disappointed they canceled the second round. We had hoped to get all 72 rounds in. Some things you have no control over and this is one of them.”
Erika Wardzinski had the low first round score for Dalton State with a 77. Julia McQuilken and Caroline Griffin each shot a 78. Katie Dalton added a 79 to keep all of the low-scores under 80. Rachel Rebne’s 87 did not county in the team scoring.
No. 2 ranked Keiser University (Fl.) and the No. 5 ranked University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) share the lead with a 306 each. No. 10 Coastal Georgia is third at 308 and there is a tie for fourth. No. 6 South Carolina Beaufort and unranked Indiana Tech each shot a 309.
No. 1 ranked William Woods (Mo.) is one stroke ahead of the Roadrunners with a 311. SCAD-Atlanta, Wayland Baptist and Texas Wesleyan are two strokes in back of DS in a tie for 10th.
“I am really proud of the way we came out and played today (Wednesday),” said McGrew. “We got the worst end of the draw on Tuesday, but I thought considering the weather conditions and the repeated stoppage of play that we did a good job.”
The second day of the tournament was pushed back to a 10:00 a.m. start to allow crews to work on the field. All teams had the opportunity to finish the first round. The second 18-holes was canceled shortening the tournament to a 3-day, 54-hole event resuming Thursday.
“We just have to go out Thursday and put a solid round up and see where it puts us,” added McGrew. “I like our chances and think we will play well.”