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Alabama, JSU Lead Samford Invitational After Round One
March 24, 2003
Complete Release in PDF Format
Complete Release in PDF Format
Complete Release in PDF Format
CALERA, Ala. - Sunny spring weather greeted the 18 teams participating in the first round of the Samford Invitational presented by Applebee's on Monday at Timberline. The players took advantage of the ideal conditions, firing low scores. The lowest team scores belonged to Alabama and Jacksonville State, tied for first with a 300. Alabama's Darby Sligh (71) was low individual. "If I was to handicap the field before our tournament started, Alabama and Jacksonville State would have been my two favorites to win," said Samford coach Ian Thompson. "Obviously, since they are tied for first, the winner is still likely to come from one of those two. They are two of the top ranked teams in state, and JSU is riding a hot streak after hosting and winning a tournament last week on their home course." Samford shot a 322 and is in ninth place out of 17 teams. The Bulldogs' individual leader is sophomore Christine Sparks, who shot a 77. Sparks sits in a tie for 10th place. Sophomore Kelly Villarreal also broke 80 for the Bulldogs, firing an opening-round 79. Villarreal is in a tie for 20th. "It was pleasing to see Christine play so well," said Thompson. "She really had a nice round. And Kelly is capable of that kind of play every time she steps on the course. If they both have a solid final round, and we can get one more low number, we have a chance to make a move up Tuesday." The Bulldogs trail Mercer and Austin Peay by three shots each. Samford is only five strokes behind Southern Miss and Middle Tennesse State (317), who are tied for fifth. Seven of the eight Division I collegiate golf teams in the state (No. 3 Auburn is the exception) are competing this week. In addition to the aforementioned Crimson Tide, Gamecocks and Bulldogs, UAB (311, 3rd), Birmingham-Southern (325, 10th), Troy State (339, 15th) and South Alabama (349, 17th) are in action at Timberline. Seven of the top 11 individuals in round one are in-state talent, and the top three teams (Alabama, JSU and UAB) call Alabama home. The final round is set for Tuesday. Play begins at 8:00 a.m.
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