By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech women's golf team completed the second round of play at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships Monday afternoon, finishing its second trip around the Fighting Joe Course at The Shoals, part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, in fifth place among the seven league teams competing for a title.
The Golden Eagles posted a 308 on Monday after turning in a 305 in Sunday's first round, totaling 613 with one round of action to go on Tuesday. Tech sat just a shot back of fourth-place Murray State. Austin Peay held on to its lead of the field, albeit by just one shot, posting a 305 for a total of 600. Belmont jumped forward to finish the day with a 601 composite score through two rounds.
Murray State's Payton Carter took full control of the individual leaderboard after tying for first on day one, completing the day with a 2-under 70 for a 141 overall and two-stroke lead.
For the purple and gold, Ainsley Simms rocketed up the leaderboard after carding a 2-over 74 for a total score of 151. Now fifth overall in the field of 33 golfers, the sophomore shaved three shots off her first trip around the course while tallying three birdies and 11 pars.
Gittle Sciolis matched her output from Sunday's action, producing her second 77 in as many rounds. The junior ended day two tied for 12th at 154 overall, also contributing three birdies to the mix on the day. Elisabeth Toennessen enjoyed an improved showing in her second chance on the course, moving into 15th overall. Trimming three shots off her first round, the junior posted a 76 with four birdies to come in at 155 for her two-day total.
Next on the leaderboard for the Golden Eagles was Heidi Lawson, tying for 16th just one shot back of Toennessen. The senior turned in an 81 with one birdie to head into Tuesday's final round with a score of 156. Rounding out the Tech lineup was fellow senior Hannah Bratton. The veteran finished with one birdie and 11 pars for an 81, totaling 157 overall to tie for 19th.
The third and final round of action is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. CT, with the Golden Eagles beginning their day at 8:40 a.m.
| Top 5 Teams: | ||||||
| 1. | Austin Peay | 295-305=600 | +24 | |||
| 2. | Belmont | 299-302=601 | +25 | |||
| 3. | Morehead State | 307-301=608 | +32 | |||
| 4. | Murray State | 299-313=612 | +36 | |||
| 5. | Tennessee Tech | 305-308=613 | +37 | |||
| Leaderboard (33 Golfers) | ||||||
| T-1. | Payton Carter (Murray State) | 71-70=141 | -3 | |||
| T-5. | Ainsley Simms | 77-74=151 | +7 | |||
| T-12. | Gittle Sciolis | 77-77=154 | +10 | |||
| 15. | Elisabeth Toennessen | 79-76=155 | +11 | |||
| T-16. | Heidi Lawson | 75-81=156 | +12 | |||
| T-19. | Hannah Bratton | 76-81=157 | +13 | |||
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File photo by Casey Crigger, Austin Peay Media Relations
