March 4, 2012
The Commodores finished the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate in Hilton Head, S.C., in third place with a two-round total of 593 (299-294). Senior Marina Alex led all Vanderbilt players with a 146 (76-70), which tied her for 10th place.
The first annual Rucker Intercollegiate, which was named after current country music star and former frontman to Hootie and the Blowfish, was shortened to 36 holes after severe weather suspended the second round on Saturday.
Despite only playing seven holes on Sunday, the Commodores shot one-under as a team, and leaped to third place in the team standings.
“That was the goal,” said Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen when asked about the Sunday surge. “We talked this morning about being in a good frame of mind and being present for every shot. They played really played well, and all of them wanted to keep playing. But the decision was made to shorten the tournament on Saturday night, so I told them to bottle up this confidence and take it to Baton Rouge next week.
Alex, Vanderbilt’s lone senior, posted a second-round 70 and was two-under par in her last seven holes, and Lauren Stratton, who shot a 74 in her second round, was even par in her last seven holes. Rene Sobolewski also fired a 74 and was one-under in her final seven holes.
“I’m really happy for them, because they played well,” said Allen.
Alabama led wire-to-wire and claimed the team title with a three-over par, 571 (288-283). The Crimson Tide’s Stephanie Meadow won medalist honors with a five-under par, 137, and her teammate, Brooke Pancake, finished second with a 140.
The Commodores will travel to Baton Route, La., to participate in the LSU Golf Classic at the University Club of Baton Rouge March 9-11.
3. Vanderbilt – 299-294=593
T10. Marina Alex – 76-70=146
T14. Rene Sobolewski – 74-74=148
T17. Lauren Stratton – 75-74=149
T20. Kendall Martindale – 74-76=150
T58. Irina Gabasa – 79-78=157
