March 23, 2010

Pinehurst Challenge Final Statistics

PINEHURST, N.C. - In their first tournament playing as a team the Maryland women's golf squad finished second out of 18 teams with an 896 (298-297-301) at the Pinehurst Challenge. Freshman Christine Shimel led the team, also finishing second, with a two-under-par 214 (71-68-75).

The Terrapins were tied with Campbell University for second after earning identical scores in the first two rounds. Maryland edged the Camels by one stroke on the final day to take sole possession of the No. 2 position, leaving Campbell to take third.

Shimel led all tournament players in birdies with 13 in three rounds. Maryland as a team came in second in birdies earned with 37, just short of tournament winner Florida State's 44.

Shimel had two top-10 finishes in the fall, but this is her first time in the top-five. The Kennett Square, Pa., native's first two under-par performances gave her an edge on the competition and first place after day one. Her third round came three strokes over par, just two off the top competitor's mark. FSU's Lacey Agnew swapped places with Shimel to claim the crown with a 212 (72-70-70).

Another member of the Maryland squad had a top-20 finish. Sophomore Jessie Hollandsworth was tied for 31st after two rounds but took two strokes off her game during the third round to improve her position by 13 spots, tying for 18th.

Graduate student Carly Hunt finished at the No. 25 spot after carding a 228 (77-76-75). Hunt continued to reduce her score through the end of the tournament for a low-round 75 on the last day of play.

Junior Kerri Connolly finished tied for No. 44 with a 233 (79-77-77) while freshman Hayley Brown carded a 243 (74-87-82).

It was Maryland's best finish at the tournament since claiming the crown in the 2006 spring tournament season.

The Terrapins will next play at the Hoya Women's Invitational in Beallsville, Md., from March 29 to March 30.