BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Seventh-seeded Vanderbilt exited the SEC Championships Saturday after a 4-1-0 setback to second-seeded LSU to close out the quarterfinals of the tournament’s match-play portion.
The Dores join Auburn and South Carolina as the only three teams to advance to the match-play portion of the event every season since the format was instituted in 2018.
“I went to bed believing we could win today and I woke up believing we could win today,” head coach Greg Allen said. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to flip the two matches we needed. I’m very proud of the fact that we are one of only three teams to have made it to the match-play portion of the SEC Championships since we started this format.”
The quarterfinals portion of SEC match play started Friday afternoon at Greystone Golf and Country Club’s Legacy Course but was suspended due to darkness. The field resumed play at noon on Saturday to finish up quarterfinals play.
Yesterday, the Tigers, ranked 16th nationally by Golfweek, earned the first point after Carla Tejedo Mulet picked up a 4&3 victory over junior Tess Davenport. Newly crowned SEC individual champion Ingrid Lindblad defeated fifth-year senior Louise Yu, 3&2.
Junior Celina Sattelkau tallied the lone point for the Dores in a close one against Latanna Stone, 3&2.
Sophomore Virginie Ding hung tough, but Elsa Svensson ultimately helped sealed the win for the Tigers to advance to semifinals.
LSU’s Jessica Bailey had a 1-up lead through 13 holes over senior Auston Kim when that match was halted.
“I told the team that I still believe our best golf is ahead of us and we will use this experience to fuel us to get ready for NCAA Regionals,” said Allen. “We have made great strides over the past two weeks but we know there is still work ahead to ensure that we are fully prepared for next month.”
The Dores will continue the postseason hosting the NCAA Regional Championships at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee, from May 9-11. This marks the first time in program history Vandy has hosted NCAA Regionals. Vanderbilt previously hosted the 2012 NCAA Championships at the Vanderbilt Legends Club where the Dores finished 11th overall.
The NCAA Regional Championships selection show will air on the GOLF Channel April 27 at 3 p.m. CT.
SEC Quarterfinals Bound by Vanderbilt Athletics on on Exposure
