The Lady Flames, ranked No. 2 nationally by the NAIA, won by an amazing 37 strokes (614-651) over a Shorter University club that has been ranked in the Top 10 all season. Not only did the Lee zip past the seven-team field in the 36-hole event, it was also its eighth straight first-place finish.
A pair of Lady Flames battled it out for medalist honors. Sophomore Courtney Shelton captured her fourth No. 1 finish in individual play (75-75 - 150) edging out freshman Madison Alexander (75-76 - 151). Junior Sloane Skinner was right behind with a 79-76 - 155. Geandra Almeida (81-77 - 158) tied for fourth and gave Lee four of the five members of the all-tournament team.
After a 310 on Monday, the Lady Flames came in with a 304 on Tuesday and a 614 total on the 5,900-yard The Oaks course. The win spelled total domination from start to finish. Kristin Bourg came back from a 92 in the opening round to card an 86.
“I’m so happy and excited for Sloane and Kristin,” pointed out Maupin. “When they started we were a middle of the road program and they have worked hard to help make the entire team better. We had a target on our backs after taking all the awards at the conference banquet on Sunday. The girls were impressive and they stayed in control all the way.”
The Lady Flames will return to campus and focus on the final days of classroom work. By winning the conference title, they claimed the automatic spot in the national tournament, scheduled at the Links Hills Country Club (Greeneville, Tenn.) on May 15-18.
“It is nice to already have a trip to the nationals already in hand,” added the coach. “We’re excited about the first championship for our women and we’re looking forward to playing in the nationals.”
