APSU Sports Information
Gulf Shores, AL – With junior Morgan Gardner shooting a career-low 1-over 73 and three other Lady Govs shooting 76 or better, Austin Peay State University women’s golf team sits in a second-place tie after the opening round of the UAB Beach Blast, being played on the Cypress/Marsh at Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club.
The second through sixth-place teams are bunched up within three shots. The two-day, 36-hole tournament concludes Tuesday on the par-72, 6,246-yard layout.
“We played well today as a team,” APSU coach Sara Robson said. “We didn’t let our bad shots get to us. We hit a lot of greens and stayed focus. We were determined to the end.”
Earlier this fall Gardner matched her career best with a 74 and finished second overall in the Murray State Invitational. But the Orlando, FL, native did one shot better Monday, leaving her tied for seventh overall.
But Gardner wasn’t alone as the Lady Govs attempt to end the fall on a strong note. The 299 represented the second lowest round in program history—the 2013 Lady Govs shot a 295 in the Beach Blast.
In addition to Gardner, senior Jessica Cathey and freshman Taylor Goodley each had rounds of 75—they are tied for 17th—while Morgan Kauffman was one shot back.
Freshman Ashton Goodley shot an 81 as did junior Kelsey Schutt, who is play as an individual.
This will be the second time this fall the Lady Govs have been in the final pairing—they won their own F&M APSU Intercollegiate when they entered the final round tied for second eight shots back.
“We are looking forward to being in the last pairing tomorrow,” Robson said. “We need to minimize the three putts and be patient. It will take a great round tomorrow but I am confident these girls can do it.”
