Mercer University
LPGA Invitational
Women's Golf Tied for Third at LPGA Invitational
10/12/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Mercer junior Lacey Fears posted a 73 (+1) in Friday's opening round of the LPGA Invitational to help the Bears enter the clubhouse tied for third on the team leaderboard. Mercer's team score of 312 on Friday equaled Old Dominion's effort and has the team just two strokes off the leader's pace.
Florida Gulf Coast leads the 14-team field at 310, while host Xavier is one stroke behind the Eagles. Mercer and Old Dominion are three strokes in front of the next best team, Bethune-Cookman.
"Today's conditions were perfect," Mercer head coach Gary Guyer said. "The course is in great shape and ready for good ball striking. If you strike the ball well then you will score well. If you do not strike the ball well then it can bite you. It bit a couple of our players today."
Fears' 73 slots her second on the individual leaderboard and one stroke behind the overall leader, Xavier's Shane Crutchfield. Fears' classmate Mary Alice Murphy booked an opening round 77 and is tied for 11th place.
"We are too good a team to be shooting scores in the 80's," Mercer head coach Gary Guyer said. "Thank goodness for Lacey and Mary Alice. These two continue to perform when they are not playing their best."
Sophomore Sarah Louie Brown is tied for 23rd overall after shooting 80 on Friday. Senior Kaitlin Marrin used 82 strokes and is tied for 37th place while senior Aurelie Wiriath signed for an 83 and is tied for 44th place.
"It's a 3-day tournament so we have a chance to catch the leaders," Guyer said.
The second round of the LPGA Invitational is scheduled for a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Players Mentioned
