Mercer University
LPGA Invitational
Fears Takes Individual Medalist Honors at LPGA Invitational
10/14/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Mercer junior Lacey Fears put the finishing touches on her fifth career individual championship on Sunday, booking a 76 in the final round of the LPGA Invitational at the Legends Course of LPGA International. As a team, Mercer's Sunday total of 311 slotted the Bears third of 14 teams.
Mercer's 311 combined with scores of 316 and 312 in the opening two rounds to help the Bears record their fifth-straight top-five finish dating back to last season. Old Dominion captured the LPGA Invitational title with a three-round total of 924, while Florida Gulf Coast (930) placed second.
"Lacey played very consistent all three days," Mercer head coach Gary Guyer said. "The course was set up pretty tough so you had to have a lot of patience to score well. She putted very well this week and that was her key to her victory."
Fears' Sunday 76 came in conjunction with scores of 73 and 75 in the opening two rounds and helped her edge Old Dominion's Samantha Morrell by one stroke for the title. To her credit, Fears now owns six career top-five placements.
"This tournament had a very good field and a lot of top players were coming after Lacey today," Guyer said. "She withstood the challenge and finished strong. She continues to excel in her college career and I'm proud of her."
Junior Mary Alice Murphy and senior Aurelie Wiriath both tied for 19th place overall with tournament scores of 236. Murphy carded a final round 76 while Wiriath shot 78.
Sophomore Sarah Louie Brown fired an 81 on Sunday and tied for 35th place with a 56-hole score of 244. Senior Kaitlin Marrin rounded out Mercer's competitors with a tie for 51st after shooting 87 on Sunday.
'"For some reason the team could not get it on track this week," Guyer said. "I need to do a better job preparing us for competition."
The Bears wrap up their fall season at the Lady Paladin Invitational on October 26-28 in Spartanburg, S.C.
Players Mentioned
