BC's Herbert Earns Individual Medalist Honors
CONOVER, N.C. --- Washington and Lee University posted rounds of 320 and 316 to finish at 636 and 15 strokes clear of second place to claim its first ODAC women's golf championship on Tuesday. Bridgewater College finished second at 651, powered by individual medalist Christina Herbert, who carded two rounds of 73 in the weather-shortened conference tournament at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C.
Heavy rains took its toll on the championship format, twice forcing alterations to the event. Players took part in just two rounds instead of the slated 54-hole tournament, while also having to take to the course earlier than normal on Tuesday to complete Monday's suspended round before beginning their finals rounds.
Washington and Lee's four scoring players finished inside the top-10, led by Liza Freed's runner-up showing at 10-over 154 (75-79) on the par-72 layout. Mary Frances Hall, the ODAC Golfer and Rookie of the Year, placed fourth (79-78--157), while Rachael Wright finished one stroke back (81-77--158) in fifth. Sara Moir posted rounds of 85 and 82 (167) for an eight-place effort. The Generals' contingent also included Dana Droz (14th; 91-90--181) and Caroilne Holloway (t17th; 95-96--191).
Herbert led by two strokes after the completion of the first round and remained steady over the next 18 holes, eclipsing the field by five strokes. Her rounds of 73 marked the lowest scores for any player in the tournament. In round one, she paired 15 pars with a birdie and two bogeys. The first nine holes of her second round were a bit more colorful as her two birdies were wiped out by a pair of bogies and a double on the par-three sixth. Herbert righted the ship on the inward nine, birdieing the par-three 13th to go with eight pars on the way to victory.
Randolph-Macon College, winner of the first two ODAC women's golf titles the previous two years, placed third at 664 (335-329). Two-time individual champion and 2014 ODAC Golf of the Year, Olivia Bowling, finished third overall at 12-over 156 (78-78).
Selections for the NCAA Divsion III Championships will be announced the evening of Monday, May 4. Be sure to check www.ncaa.com that night for information on the national draw to see if any ODAC teams or competitors make the field.
For more information on ODAC women's golf, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com. Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook and follow the ODAC on Twitter at @odacathletics.