Team finishes behind Auburn in rain-shortened event

For the first time in the 37-year history of the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic, an entire round of golf was canceled because of inclement weather, as rain forced the cancellation of Friday’s opening round. History went on to repeat itself Saturday causing the scheduled three round, 54-hole event to be trimmed down to only 18 holes yesterday.

But the Kent State women’s golf team prevailed despite the challenging conditions in Athens, Ga., finishing tied for second place behind only No. 7 Auburn in the 18-team field.

“This is a championship field and second place is very good,” Kent State coach Mike Morrow said. “I think that says a lot, that we were able to beat a lot of the SEC and ACC teams, and the Big Ten teams. So coming in second is quite an accomplishment and it should give us a lot of confidence.”

Senior Kirby Dreher led the Flashes with a 2-under-par performance good for second place. Dreher opened the round with three consecutive birdies and a shot an eagle on a 397-yard par 4, finishing with a score of 70.

“Par or better on this golf course is a good feat under good conditions,” Morrow said. “For her to shoot 2-under par, that’s one of the finest rounds that we’ve ever had in our program considering the field and the conditions and the golf course. So I’m very proud of her.

“She really got us off to a fast start, gave us momentum and I think it was a big part of our success.”

Freshman Mercedes Germino birdied on her last hole to finish with a 3-over-par 75, earning her a tie for 13th place. Sophomore Martina Gavier finished in a tie for 39th place at 6-over-par.

Senior Maddi Swaney and freshman Sharmira Marshall shot a 79 and 80, tying for 50th and 60th place and rounding out the Flashes’ overall team score of 14-over-par.

“This was a very good test of golf,” Morrow said. “Nothing comes cheap on this golf course. You have to play very well and score well.”

“It’s sort of tough sitting in a hotel room for two days, and they’re going out and competing and only having a 18 holes to do it, but we got off to a great start. We played well and we’re proud of the finish.”

Contact sports reporter Caleb Raubenolt at [email protected].