LONGWOOD, Fla. – After a solid start, the Lee University women's golf team saw the second round of the 54-hole Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational canceled because of heavy storms then came back to struggle in the final round on Tuesday, finishing seventh in the shortened 36-hole event.
Hannah Nall posted a 2-under par 70 in the opening round of the tournament that was played on the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes and hosted by Rollins College. Like most of the rest of the field, Nall struggled in the final 18 and tallied a 7-over par 79. The 149 total was good enough for a third-place finish.
Tereza Zavrelova of Barry University claimed medalist honors (70–75 -145). Saint Leo's Mckenzee Sullivan was consistent with a 73–73 -146 and placed second while Maria Torres Lobato, Nova Southeastern (75-75 -150), McKinley Holding, Florida Southern (77-74 -151), Amelia Ruiz Topali, Lynn (72-79 -151) and Addy Vogt, Rollins (78-73 -151) finished behind Nall's 149.
Barry University (596) walked away with the team honors. Lynn University (609) came on strong for second. Host Rollins (610) was third. Palm Beach Atlantic (612) and Saint Leo (612) tied for fourth. Nova Southeastern (613) was sixth and Lee (299-315 -614) slipped to seventh.
Lee's individual scoring was led by Nall's 70-79 –149. Other scores saw
Justine Emond (75-78 -153), Olivia Ireland (78-78 -156), Emilia Nordström (76-80 -156) and Lehane Louis Dumond (79-80 -159).
Three players made the trip as individuals, Keira DeLand, Gabby Diaz and Kariann Campbell. DeLand recorded the best total score (78–88 –164).
The Lady Flames will travel to Ninety Six, South Carolina and take part in the Grand Harbor Classic on March 30-31 as they prepare for the annual Gulf South Conference Championship on April 20-22.
Coach Geandra Almeida Thoughts:
"This was definitely a tough tournament for us. We came in feeling prepared and confident. I thought in the first round we stayed together really well and put ourselves right there with the rest of the field. We also got off to a solid start in the second round and had already jumped a few spots through the first couple of holes before the storm came in and stopped play.
Unfortunately, that round ended up being canceled because of the heavy rain and hail.
"Going into the final round we were still right there only five shots out of second place and within reach all day, which makes it even tougher because we know we had an opportunity. In the end, I felt like we fell short of what we are capable of.
"Once again, Hannah played really well in the first round and led the way for us. She put herself in a great position to contend for the win, and that says a lot about the level she's capable of playing. Unfortunately, the finish wasn't what she or we were hoping for, but she showed again that she can put herself in position against any field. There are still positives to take from this week and we'll learn from it and keep moving forward."
