The victory was the fifth straight over the fall and winter seasons and came when the Lady Flames posted a 308 on Monday and Northwood (Fla.) led with an impressive 299.
Things changed drastically on Tuesday as Lee fired a 318 and finished with a 626. On the other hand, Northwood struggled with a 333 and carded a 632, six strokes behind the champs.
“It was really exciting to watch our girls come from that far back,” said Maupin. “We have been on a really good run, but it took something extra to pull this one out. I think the girls really showed a lot of mental toughness. Northwood is a great team, so it required us to step up.”
The winds picked up drastically during the final 18, forcing final tallies to be higher. Despite the windy conditions, the Lady Flames responded with a good round. While Lee placed first and Northwood second, host Savannah College of Art and Design (635) was third and South Carolina-Beaufort (637) was fourth.
Maupin noted that four of the NAIA’s top 11 clubs participated in the 10-team tourney. The event was staged on the tough Wilmington Island Club. Geandra Almeida totaled a 76 on Tuesday and finished with a 153. The sophomore’s total was good enough to share second place with Northwood’s Emelie Anderson and gave Almeida a spot on the all-tournament team. “Geandra was 1-under on her last six holes,” noted Maupin. “She played like the All-American that we all know she is.”
Courtney Shelton was all alone in fourth place. Her 74-81 – 155 gave the Lady Flames another place on the all-tourney team. The Lee coach also singled out the effort of sophomore Sloane Skinner (81-79 – 160) and her 12th-place finish. “She had a really good round today and it really paid off.”
Freshman Madison Alexander tied for 15th (80-82 – 162) and Kristin Bourg struggled in round two, posting a 90 after her 77 on Monday. The 167 was still good enough for a tie for 24th in the field of 56 golfers. “I’m proud of all the girls,” added the coach. “This really was a tournament in which all our girls contributed. I told them I will be talking about this one for many years to come.”
The Lady Flames will try to keep their streak alive on April 2-3 when they travel to Clarkesville, Ga., for the Piedmont Spring Invitational. The SSAC tourney is scheduled for April 16-17.
