Williams In the Lead After Rough Weather on Day One
WILLIAMSTOWN - Williams (325) has a fifteen stroke lead over Ithaca (340) with SUNY Cortland (341) close behind.
It was difficult scoring conditions at the Taconic Golf Club as it rained heavily for much of the round with only periodic dry spouts. The rain made the course long, especially on the back nine, and the greens continued to be difficult to read. The players played lift clean and place in the fairway due to the rain throughout the week, which proved important as balls plugged in the muddy fairways.
While the rest of the players struggled in the weather, two players stood out from the field. Ithaca's Sharon Li and Williams' Georgiana Salant shot impressive 72 and 73 on the par 71 course to lead the tournament individually. Middlebury's Keely Levins is in third individually with an 82.
Junior Georgiana Salant lead the Williams team. Salant did not have a single birdie on her way to a two-over par 73. Salant played scrappy in the tough weather – having only 27 putts as a result of consistently getting up and down. Commenting on Salant's play, Coach Erika DeSanty says "Her 73 today really showcases her ability and mental stamina in these difficult conditions."
To follow up the scores for the team, sophomores Shelby Shote and Paige Whidbee, and senior Victoria Student turned in scores of 83, 84, 85. Senior Becky Miller struggled on the day to post a 91.
Williams also had three individuals compete. Sophomore Maggie Mitts shot her career round – posting an 83 to put her in a tie for fourth. Mitts had two birdies on holes 3 and 11. Fellow sophomore Caroline Sawin posted an 89 and first-year Kelly Kung shot a 90 in her first collegiate tournament.
Commenting on the weekend, Coach DeSanty says "Our team always looks forward to our home event and everyone having an opportunity to compete. We have much to be proud of today, for our efforts as a group and as individuals. Tomorrow we will all strive to improve from today."
The Ephs take to Taconic Golf Club again tomorrow morning with an 8:30 am shotgun start.