It took a maximum effort by the Lady Flames to turn back a Methodist squad that has claimed 13 straight Division III titles. Lee finished with a 299 on Tuesday and posted a 604 for the 36-hole event. Methodist was right behind with a 609 total on the par 72 Orchard Golf and Country Club course.
“Jayne (Maupin) coached the girls this week and did a fantastic job,” said Lee head coach John Maupin. “Methodist is a great team, so we knew this would be a really big test. They came out of the gate really strong today and we were pleased to see how our girls stepped up to the challenge. We actually finished runner-up to Methodist at this tournament 18 months ago.”
Courtney Shelton fired a 72-74 - 146 and captured her third first-place finish of the season. “Courtney did a good job of stepping up and closing this tournament out,” noted the Lee coach. However, it was freshman Madison Alexander who turned in the best round of the tourney on Tuesday (73). After an 81 on Monday, Alexander’s two-day total was 154.
“I am proud of Madison,” noted Maupin. “That is a really strong round. She has worked very hard and it has paid off. Her 73 made a big difference for us today.” Geandra Almeida joined Shelton on the all-tournament team. She was consistent with a 75 both days and a 150 total. “Geandra had two great rounds,” added the coach. “Again though, I can’t single out one person because each player on this team makes a huge impact.”
Sloane Skinner was also consistent in both of her rounds. A pair of 77s gave Skinner a 154. “Sloane stepped up and gave us two big rounds,” Maupin injected. “Kristin (Bourg) came back with a better round today (89-81 -170). Again, it’s a group of young ladies that understands team golf and they are committed to the cause.”
The tournament, hosted by Piedmont College, wraps up regular season play for the streaking Lady Flames. Their next appearance will come on April 16-17 when they take part in the SSAC conference tournament which will be played at The Oaks in Pass Christian, Miss.
