April 18, 2009
Commodore freshman Marina Alex posted a second-round, two-under par 69 on Saturday to lead Vanderbilt at the SEC Championships in Blythewood, S.C. Alex, who shot a two-over par, 73, on Friday, is now at even par for the tournament and in fourth place. The Vanderbilt team is in 10th place after day two and has a total of 605 (304-301) heading into the final round on Sunday.
“The positive thing is that we’ve got a freshman in position to win a SEC Championship. Marina birdied her first and last holes, and she was solid in between,” said head coach Greg Allen. “We want to be able to leave the 18th green tomorrow with good vibes heading into NCAA Regionals. We want to be the best team here tomorrow.”
Alex ended her day with four birdies and two bogeys en route to her 69 at the Cobblestone Golf Club. Fellow freshman Andrea Messer posted her second consecutive 75, and is now in a tie for 25th, and junior Brooke Goodwin is next for Vanderbilt with a total of 154 (76-78), which is good for a tie for 38th. Sophomore Megan Grehan is in a tie for 53rd with a total of 159 (80-79), and senior Jacqui Concolino is in 58th place with a 168 (85-83).
Arkansas leads the tournament by three strokes over Auburn with a score of 582 (295-287). LSU is five strokes back at 587 (301-286). Marta Silva of Georgia leads the individual portion of the tournament after shooting a tournament-best 67 on Saturday and has a total of 139 (72-69). Arkansas’ Lucy Nunn is in second place with a 140 (70-70), and the Commodores’ Alex is three strokes back at 142.
The final round of the tournament begins on Sunday morning.
