Stephen F. Austin
Sam Houston State Invitational
Lumberjack Golf Surges to Lead in Huntsville
10/13/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Oct. 13, 2009
HUNTSVILLE, Texas - A youthful version of the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack golf team shot a sizzling 12-under par Monday afternoon in a rain-shortened opening day of competition to lead the Sam Houston State Invitational. The Lumberjacks placed all five golfers in the field's top 18, including three in the top four. The Ladyjacks are currently sixth overall at the Elkins Lake Golf Club par-71 course, after recording an opening round 332.
"I was really proud of how our men came out and played in some pretty tough conditions," said SFA head coach Trey Schroeder. "We switched up our lineup this week, and it has really paid some dividends. Our young guys really played well today, but we need to come out tomorrow with the same focus.
"I think our women might have been bothered by the conditions, but I was proud of how they battled through it. Wallis (Spears) really played well for us today. We just need to come out focused tomorrow and have a good, solid round."
The Lumberjacks are paced by freshman Mitchell McLeroy and sophomore Stetson McMillan who shot an opening round four-under par 67. The SFA duo is currently in a three-way tie for the top spot. Junior Richard Wilkenfeld is only one stroke off the individual lead after shooting a three-under par 68. Senior Matt Oates is also vying for individual title honors after an opening-round 70. Oates' one-under par score has him in a two-way tie for eighth entering Tuesday's final round of action. Freshman Austin Green was the lone Lumberjack to finish over par, after carding a two-over 73. Green enters the final round tied for 18th overall.
Spears recorded the Ladyjacks' lowest round on the opening day with a four-over par 75. She is currently tied for 13th overall. Junior Noelle Willcoxen fired a nine-over 80 and is currently tied for 22nd overall. Freshman Chelsea Simmons is currently tied for 31st after an opening round 87. Classmate Allison Flake is only one stroke back of Simmons with an opening-day 88. Flake is currently tied for 31st overall. Freshman Erin Daurity finished the day tied for 39th with an opening round score of 94.
The SFA men and women will return to the Lake Elkins course Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. to close out the final round of action.
-SFA-
Sam Houston State Invitational Lake Elkins Golf Course Huntsville, Texas Oct. 12, 2009 Men's Teams Score 1. Stephen F. Austin 272 2. Oklahoma Christian 278 3. Houston Baptist 283 4. Sam Houston State 288 5. Texas-Pan American 289 6. Nicholls 294 7. Louisiana-Monroe 299 8. McNeese State 300Women's Teams Score 1. Central Arkansas 285 2. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 298 3. Sam Houston State 302 4. Houston Baptist 309 5. McNeese State 313 6. Stephen F. Austin 332 7. Centenary 338 8. Tyler JC 340
