By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – The Tennessee Tech women's golf team wrapped up action at the Edwin Watts – Kiawah Island Classic Thursday afternoon, finishing the event in a tie for 33rd among the 49 teams in action in the nation's largest Division I women's golf tournament.
The Golden Eagles finished off the three-day event, competed at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, with a 929 (310-303-316). Tech ranked ahead of fellow Ohio Valley Conference member Murray State by five places and five shots at the conclusion of the event.
For the second day in-a-row Tech played the Osprey Point Course, this time competing with the other Top-24 teams from the first two days for the tournament championship.
Leading the Golden Eagle effort throughout the event was junior Shelby Johnson, who finished in a tie for 65th among the 254 individual participants. Johnson carded a 225 (74-74-77) for the week, turning in 12 pars and a birdie in her final round of action. The 225 marked a career-low for a 54-hole event for the Tech veteran.
Shooting the team's low round for the second straight day was Kate Mashburn. The sophomore captured a 2-over 74 on the final day of play, tallying three birdies and 10 pars. She finished with a 230 overall, tying for 114th with her own personal-best showing in a 54-hole tournament.
Lindsay Miller was next in the rankings among the Tech lineup, rounding out her week with a 233 (74-79-80). She tied for 136th after concluding day with two birdies and seven pars. Junior Arianna Clemmer sported a 245 (79-81-85), racking up nine pars and a birdie.
Not far back was sophomore Isabel York, who rounded out the Golden Eagle participants with a 248 (86-77-85). She ended play with nine pars and a birdie in her best showing in three rounds since her first collegiate event last season.
Coastal Carolina and North Florida tied for the tournament title, each shooting 865 for the week. It was North Florida's Sydney Shrader who took home individual medalist honors, completing action with a 207 (72-68-67).
Tech will have nearly three weeks to prepare for its own event, the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate in at Sevierville Golf Club. The Golden Eagles will host the event for the seventh straight year, competing on the Highlands Course from Sunday, Mar. 17 through Tuesday, Mar. 19.
Photo by Carla Hazelwood