May 21, 2014
Junior Kendall Martindale fired a two-under par, 68, on Wednesday, to lead the Commodores on day two of the NCAA Championship in Tulsa, Okla., and is in a tie for fifth on the individual leader board with a score of even par, 140 (72-68). As a team, Vanderbilt is in 14th position after shooting a 10-over par, 290 on Wednesday and has a two-round score of 593 (303-290).
Martindale, from Jefferson City, Tennessee, carded four birdies and only two bogeys in her second time around the par-70, 6,194-yard Tulsa Country Club, and trails individual leader Alexandra Kaui of Oklahoma by five strokes for the individual lead.
“I don’t know if there was a difference,” said Martindale when asked about her round Wednesday compared to the first round. “I was hitting the ball really well yesterday also. I think I just got more putts to drop today and a few less mistakes than yesterday. The wind wasn’t as bad starting off this morning, so that kind of gave us an advantage early on.
“I started on the back nine and I was feeling great and there wasn’t that much wind, so I figured I had to take advantage of it,” continued Martindale. “I was just hitting it well and I made a long putt for one of them, so it was kind of lucky, but it was good.”
The Commodores also counted a one-over par, 71 from freshman Simin Feng on Wednesday, a 75 from sophomore Jennifer Hahn, and a 76 from junior Irina Gabasa. Freshman Antonia Scherer shot a second-round 78.
“Kendall played great today and Simin was solid but just didn’t make the birdies she’s accustomed to making,” said Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen. “Unfortunately, we are still struggling getting those other two scores near par. What came so easy at Regionals is tough to find this week. But, I do have faith in this group and believe our best is yet to come in Tulsa.”
Oklahoma maintains the team lead with a team total of 575 (288-287), three strokes better than second-place Duke. Arizona State is five shots back in third.
The third of four rounds continues Thursday in Tulsa, with the Commodores teeing off at 8:36 a.m. Central time off of the 1st tee.
14. Vanderbilt – 303-290=593
T5. Kendall Martindale- 72-68=140
T32. Simin Feng – 75-71=146
T74. Irina Gabasa – 76-76=152
T102. Jennifer Hahn – 81-75=156
T112. Antonia Scherer – 80-78=158
