CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Florida maintains their narrow advantage over neighboring Georgia after the second round of the U.S. Women's State Team Championship. Led once again by the duo of Tara Joy-Connelly and Meghan Stasi, the Sunshine State on Friday set the tournament's 36-hole scoring record at 5-under 283, playing the Jack Nicklaus-designed Dalhousie Golf Club.
Joy-Connelly's 67 led individually by two after day one, and despite a 75 in the second round, steady play from Stasi (71-71) have the record-setting team heading to Saturday's final round holding a slight lead.
Joy-Connelly won the 2003 and 2013 Massachusetts Women’s Amateurs, and is a six-time Massachusetts Women’s Open champion. Her most recent triumph was this year when she captured the Florida Women's Mid-Amateur. Stasi has much USGA experience, including four victories at the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur, most recently in 2012.
Georgia remains two shots back of their southern neighbor, once again paced by defending U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur champion Margaret Shirley, as well as Emilie Meason. Both players posted 1-over par 73 on Friday, matching Florida's day total of 146.
Trailing second-place Georgia by eight shots are a trio of team tied for third — Alabama, Virginia, and New Mexico. They will have work to do on the final day to be in contention with the two southeast powerhouses.
Florida sets 36-hole scoring record at U.S. Women's State Team
Led by Tara Joy-Connelly and Meghan Stasi, the Sunshine state continue to lead in Missouri while Georgia is hot on their tail