BOCA RATON, Fla. — Vanderbilt put itself in prime position with two impressive rounds Monday in Florida at the FAU Paradise Invitational.
The Commodores shot a 36-hole total of 567 and are one stroke back of leader South Florida going into Tuesday’s final 18 holes.
Junior Auston Kim led the way for Vandy by carding an 8-under-par thanks to a 67 in round one and 69 in round two. Kim shot nine birdies over her first 36 holes of the 2021 season.
“Monday was a good day that had a chance to be a really great day if we made a few more putts,” Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen said. “We burned a lot of edges. We hit a lot of good putts that just didn’t go in.”
After a long day on the ⛳ course the Commodores find themselves in prime position before Tuesday’s final round.@AustonTKim leads the way as Vandy holes 29 birdies Monday. 🐦#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/ZeeogGUhPz
— Vanderbilt Women’s Golf (@VandyWGolf) February 9, 2021
Celina Sattelkau is among the top 10 after a two-round total of 142. The sophomore from Germany is 2-under for the tournament and tied for seventh.
Sophomore Jayna Choi recovered from an opening-round 75 to shoot a 70 on the day’s second 18 and sits tied for 15th at 1-over. Tess Davenport and Louise Yu are both tied for 22nd at 3-over-par.
“It sure is great to have Auston Kim back in the lineup,” Allen said. “I’m excited about Tuesday and can’t wait to see what we can do with the opportunity.”
The Commodores got off to a blazing start during the opening 18 holes with a 281 team score (7-under) and were tied with South Florida for the lead. Kim had the individual lead all by herself and shot a 67 thanks to five birdies while was 2-under par thanks to three straight birdies ay one point on the back nine.
Davenport and Lu both finished their first 18 with even-par rounds to aid to the Vandy cause.
Monday’s play was suspended due to darkness with North Florida having three holes to go. Virunpat Olankitkunchai of Maryland shares the 36-hole lead with Kim.
Live scoring on Tuesday’s final round can be found HERE.
