WEST POINT — The Mississippi State women’s golf team is one shot off the lead entering the final round of the Magnolia Invitational.
After taking a share of the lead following a 288 on Sunday at Old Waverly Golf Club, MSU fired a 284 on Monday. The score leaves it in second place behind Kennesaw State with a 4-under 572.
“Today was another big step forward for our program,” MSU coach Ginger Brown-Lemm said. “We showed such resilience in adversity out there, and I could not be more proud. We have put ourselves in contention, and that is the goal for every event. We are committed to the process and are showing major strides in our performances as a result.”
Sophomore Blair Stockett led MSU on its 6,320-yard, par-72 home course, firing a 2-under-par 69 that matched her career best. She is tied for sixth with a two-round total of 142 (-2).
“I knew after yesterday that if I could stay patient I would be able to get some putts to fall,” Stockett said. “It was great being able to help my team get into the mix going into the last day.”
Freshman Hannah Levi followed an opening-round 71 with a 2-under 70 on Monday. She is tied for third, four shots off the lead, at 3-under 141.
Fellow rookie Lauren Miller had an even-par round and is tied for 10th with a 1-under 143.
Senior Kendall Wisenbaker shot a 1-over 73 and is a tied for 45th.
Senior Katie Holt shot a 75 and is tied for 30th at 4-over.
MSU’s second lineup shaved 15 shots off its opening round and carded a 286 to move into a tie for seventh.
Sophomore Aubree Jones and junior Athena Yang led that group with 2-under-par 70s. Jones and Yang combined for nine birdies to finish the day tied for 22nd and 25th, respectively.
Junior Teri Doss carded a 73. Clara Moyano also carded a 73 to move into a tie for 25th.
Ela Grimwood is tied with Wisenbaker for 45th place.
Auburn’s Anika Bolcikova stands atop the individual leader board after two rounds.
Ole Miss is fourth entering the final round.
Ellen Hutchinson-Kay jumped 11 spots after a 1-under 71. The freshman went 2-under on the tough back nine and leads the team in birdies with nine.
Conner Beth Ball remains in the top 10 after an ever-par 72.
Ole Miss shot a second round 3-over 291, and leads the tournament in birdies with 37.
“We need to stick to our game plan tomorrow and anything is possible,” Ole Miss coach Kory Henkes said. “We have done a lot of great things this week so I know they are capable of making great decisions and playing some top-notch golf.”
Julia Baker is in sixth place to lead Southern Mississippi.
Baker was at 2-under on the front nine, while Emily Cox also carded a 2-over.
Valeria Pichardo birdied on holes 15, 17 and 18 to finish with a 1-over 73 on the back nine. Baker also added a trio of birdies after having a pair on the opening day.
n Hammett Leads MSU men: At Killen, Alabama, All four members of the Mississippi State men’s golf team are in the top half of the leader board after Monday’s two rounds at the TVA Community Credit Union Invitational.
Sophomore Hunter Hammett bounced back from a 1-over-par performance during his first 18 holes of the day with a 1-under 71 in round two. His even par performance has him tied for 11th entering Tuesday’s final round at the par-72, 7,133-yard Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club.
Sophomore Griffin Agent is two strokes behind Hammett with a 2-over 146 for the two rounds, good for a share of 16th.
Redshirt freshman Ben Nelson and sophomore Austin Fulton are tied for 28th after carding a 5-over 149 scores. Fulton led all four MSU golfers with seven birdies between the two rounds and shot a 1-under 71 in round two.
Rollins College’s Morgan Egloff leads all players at 9-under par.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.