Bryan National Collegiate: Defending Champions Virginia Leads After 36-holes
Virginia's Lauren Coughlin
(University of Virginia Photo)
BROWNS SUMMIT, NC (April 2, 2016)--Two-time defending champion Virginia (584) will carry a five-stoke lead into the final round of the Bryan National Collegiate. Florida State (589) and Wake Forest (595) will begin play tomorrow at the Bryan Park Champions Course in second and third place.
The Cavilers currently have three-players inside the top-7. Senior Lauren Coughlin (E) is leading the way for Virginia sitting T2 just two off the pace after back-to-back 72's. After sitting in a tie for second yesterday senior Elizabeth Szokol (+2) has dropped back to T5 following a 3-over-par 72. Junior Lauren Diaz-Yi (+3) is T7 thanks to strong rounds of 73-74.
Leading the way in the individual standings is Florida State junior Matilda Castren (-2). The junior didn't do anything spectacular in the second round but a second consecutive 1-under-par 71 was more then good enough to take the lead. Castren, a 2014 All-ACC performer, is currently the only player under-par.
On day two Castren carded four birdies and three bogey's. Tomorrow she will be looking for her second win of the season, her first came at the Jacksonville Classic last fall.
Along with Coughlin South Carolina senior Sarah Schmelzel will begin the day two-back at even-par.
ROUND ONE RECAP
No. 20 Virginia (289) is off to a strong start as they attempt to defend their Bryan National Collegiate title at the Bryan Park Champions Course. After a weather delay that pushed the start of play back to 11:00 a.m. Virginia came out swinging with four golfers finishing inside the top-six.
Leading the way is senior Elizabeth Szokol (-1) who is currently tied for second after a 71. So far this year the best finish for Szokol was seventh place at the Cougar Classic. In the first round Szokol carded four birdies and three bogeys including one on her final hole of the day, the third.
Virginia also received strong play from a trio of other players. Senior Lauren Coughlin (E) is tied for fourth while junior Lauren Diaz-Yi (+1) and freshman Morgan Gonzales (+1) are tied for sixth.
Leading the medalist chase is East Carolina senior Nico Engstroem Skaug (-2). She will carry a tenuous lead into tomorrows second round as 20 golfers are within four-strokes of the lead.
On day one Engstroem Skaug had an up-and-down scorecard. She registered five birdies and three bogeys on her way to 70.
Rounding out the top-5 in the team standings are Notre Dame (297) and South Carolina (297) tied for second; Miami (298) and Wake Forest (298) in a fourth place tie.
ABOUT THE Bryan National Collegiate
54-hole collegiate stroke play event hosted by
the UNCG and Wake Forest women's golf teams.
Team
(best four
scores out of five players each round) and individual
competitions.
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