Sept. 18, 2016
The Vanderbilt women’s golf team finished the 16th Annual Mason Rudolph Championship in seventh place with a final team total of 881 (295-296-290) after a final round 290 on Sunday. Freshman Abbey Carlson was the team’s best finisher, carding a three-round score of 213 (71-72-70), which placed her seventh in her first collegiate competition.
The Commodores’ total of 881 was two shots back of fifth-place Auburn and Chattanooga and two shots better than eighth-place Baylor. Alabama ran away with the team title with a record-setting final score of 39-under par, 825, and an astounding 25-under par on Sunday, which set a new tournament record for a single-team round. The previous best three-round total was an 843 from LSU in 2010 and the previous single-best team round was a 277, accomplished by UCLA twice in 2008 (second round) and 2013 (third round). Additionally, the Crimson Tide’s Lakareber Abe set a new Mason Rudolph Championship single-round record with a nine-under, 63, on Sunday.
Vanderbilt counted Carlson’s two-under par, 70, on Sunday, a one-under 71 from fellow freshman Alison Armstrong, a 73 from junior Alexandra Farnsworth, and a 76 from sophomore Courtney Zeng.
“It was really nice to see a few putts drop today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen. “I’m fired up for our freshmen! It was a solid tournament for Abbey and a great confidence boost for Alison shooting under-par today. I’m also proud of the patience Farney showed throughout her round and then making birdie on her last two.
“Once again, I’m very grateful for all the folks that helped run another great Mason Rudolph Championship. I love getting to show off Legends, Nashville/Franklin and our southern hospitality.”
The Crimson Tide had three players finish atop the individual leader board, with Cheyenne Knight leading the way with a 14-under, 202 (68-67-67). Kristen Gillman and Lauren Stephenson each finished in a tie for second at nine-under par, 207, with Abe finishing in a tie for fourth with Maria Balcazar of UCF with a seven-under par, 209.
Vanderbilt returns to the course October 3 and 4 in Golf, Ill., at the Windy City Collegiate Classic.
7. Vanderbilt – 295-296-290=881
7. Abbey Carlson – 71-72-70=213
T23. Alexandra Farnsworth – 74-74-73=221
T37. Alison Armstrong – 76-77-71=224
T50. Courtney Zeng – 74-76-76=226
56. Kate Sborov – 78-74-77=229
75. Lauren Johnson – 79-81-78=238*
81. Antonia Scherer – 85-87-87=259*
*Playing as individuals
