SALISBURY, N.C. – Turning in the best round of the week by any team with a 295, the No. 7 ranked Anderson University women's golf team took home the team trophy at the Patsy Rendleman Invitational hosted by Catawba College at the Country Club of Salisbury on October 2-3.
"Really happy that event is over, that was one of the hardest weeks we have had in quite a while," said head coach Denton Moore. "Thankfully I have a resilient bunch and they were able to drop the hammer on the back nine of the final round to the get the job done, and I am ultra thankful for that."
The Trojans were able to best their nearest competition by 10 strokes to finish +47 on the week with Lenoir-Rhyne taking the runner-up spot on the team leaderboard. Individually the Trojans were led by sophomore Aly Francis (Stockbridge, Ga.) who rounded out her tournament with a one-over 72 in the final round to finish alone in second place, securing All-Tournament honors.
"Aly has been really working hard and I've been pushing her lately, and it showed big time this week. Salisbury was set up as tough as I have ever seen it and she handled it perfectly, that's why she finished runner-up."
Sophomore Kennedy Gooding (Lexington, S.C.) was the other member of the squad to be named to the All-Tournament team as she finished tied for third with a final round of even-par, stringing together three straight birdies on the back nine to move up the leaderboard. "Kennedy continues to perform at a high level every week," added Moore. "She is so calm and collected at all times. That was an awesome top-3 finish for her this week and once she gets the putter going, the rest of the country better watch out."
Senior Jessica Rathbone (Montpelier, Va.) rounded out the tournament with a three-over par final round that slated her in a tie for 7th while sophomore Paige Paolucci (Blythewood, S.C.) and junior Zoey Iglesias (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) were able to finish tied for 10th, each carding a four-over final round. Junior Kennedy McGaha (Honea Path, S.C.) finished alone in 15th on the leaderboard while freshman Yvette Gorden (Montgomery, Ala.) rounded out the placings in a tie for 19th.
"Zoey, Paige, Jess and K Mac were all huge at different times this week helping us bring home our second win of the season. Zoey had her third straight top-10 finish, continuing to be consistent and dependable. Paige continues to perform at a high level and Jess and K Mac are always there when we need them, just like All-Americans are supposed to be. Yvette continues to make major strides as a freshman. She is learning super quick and I have super high expectations for her."
"Again, tough week, tough set-up, and I'm really glad we got to see it. We will be better prepared for the conference tournament come April after this week. If the set-up is as tough then, I really like our chances. Proud of this start to the season, proud of this crew and looking forward to Achasta with them next week. Always happy with a win, Go Trojans!"
Anderson returns to action next week as they travel to Achasta Golf Club in Dahlonega, Ga. for the LeeAnn Noble Memorial tournament on October 9-10.
