The Commodores shot a three-under par team score of 285 on Monday in the second round of the Cougar Classic at Yeomans Hall Club to vault into third place in a field that includes 10 of the top 15 teams in the nation. Senior Lauren Stratton, and sophomores Kendall Martindale and Irina Gabasa each carded one-under par, 71’s, in their second round, while freshman Jenny Hahn posted an even-par 72 to close out the Commodore scoring. Rene Sobolewski also carded a 75 for the Commodores.
Gabasa leads Vanderbilt on the individual scoreboard and is in a tie for fifth place in the 128-player field with a two-round total of 140 (69-71), while Stratton is in a tie for 10th with a 141 (71-70). Martindale moved up the leaderboard after her 71, and is in a tie for 22nd with a total of 144 (73-71).
Camilla Hedberg of Florida leads the tournament with a nine-under par, 135 (69-66), and leads her teammate, Isabelle Lendl, by two strokes.
“The course really sets up well for Irina and our team,” said Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen. “It’s not too long, and the greens are receptive. Irina has looked really good, hitting a lot of fairways and greens. Stratty has really closed well in the last two days, and has almost holed out on the final hole on those days. Yesterday it was number 18 and today it was number nine where she had kick-in birdies.”
As a team, Vanderbilt had five birdies on the last four holes, finishing holes which Allen has dubbed “Anchor Down” holes.
“We made up some shots in those final four holes, which I’ve named ‘Anchor Down’ holes,” said Allen. “Our team has really bought into that concept and it showed today. I’m excited with the way we’ve finished, and it was a key for us. It really closed out an all-around team performance.”
Vanderbilt’s total of 574 (289-285) trails second-place Southern Cal by six strokes, and Florida by nine after the Gators blistered Yeomans Hall at nine-under par, 279, on Monday.
The final round concludes on Tuesday with a shotgun start. Vanderbilt will tee off of holes one through three.
3. Vanderbilt – 289-285=574
T5. Irina Gabasa – 69-71=140
T10. Lauren Stratton – 70-71=141
T22. Kendall Martindale – 73-71=144
T72. Jenny Hahn – 79-72=151
T81. Rene Sobolewski – 77-75=152
