APSU Sports: Women’s Golf
Ledbetter, KY – Sophomore Tabitha Beard shot an even-par 72 to highlight Austin Peay State University’s first two rounds of the Murray State Drake Creek Invitational, being played at the 6,178-yard Drake Creek Golf Club.
After shooting an 80 in Monday morning’s opening round, Beard shot a career-best 72 in the afternoon to put her at 152. Junior Lauren Bond was the Lady Govs’ most consistent performer, shooting a pair of sub-80 rounds, a three-over 75 in the morning and 79 in the afternoon for a 154.
Host Murray State leads the tournament at 585, followed by Morehead State (597), Eastern Kentucky (609) and Belmont (617) in the 10-team tournament.
“We played better today (than last weekend’s only round in Alabama),” APSU coach Sara Robson said. “We showed improvement, we hit some great shots today. We played the par 3s really well.
“But we have to continue to improve our focus—we missed way too many putts—and we also have to find a way to get rids of the big numbers.”
Beard, who is tied for 12th overall, saw her 72 rank as the third best afternoon round. Bond, meanwhile, is 17th heading into the final round of her second Division I tournament.
Freshman Marta Gutierrez, battling an illness on the day, shot 80-81 to sit at 161. Sophomore Rachel Deaton shot an opening round 79 to only slip to 84 in the second round, giving her a 163 total. Fellow sophomore Tala Mumford shot 80-86 for 166.
“Tabitha had just a great (second) round,” Robson said, “and Lauren played good consistent all day long. Marta played well but just got a little tired on the final nine holes.”
Individually, senior Ashley Averitt also is at 161 (80-81) while junior Holly Batey bounced back from a morning 85 to fire an afternoon 76, also for a 161 total. Freshman Meghan Mueller fired an 82-80 (162).
“We made some really great shots today,” Robson said, “now we just have to find a way to get ball in the hole better.”
