North Carolina
Briar's Creek Invitational Day 1
Carolina, Whaley Lead Through 36 At Briar's Creek Invitational
March 19, 2018 | Women's Golf
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. - The University of North Carolina women's golf team and junior Kelly Whaley lead the field of the Briar's Creek Invitational after playing the first 36 holes Tuesday. The Tar Heels have a one-stroke lead at 11-under-par 565 after shooting 9-under in the second round, and Whaley has a two-shot lead on the field at 9-under 135.
The clubs were on fire all day for the Tar Heels as they racked up 18 birdies in the first round and 26 in round two, including 14 over the final nine holes. The 9-under-par 279 second round is tied for third in school history in both all-time roundS and all-time rounds vs. par.
"I think the course was set up well for us," head coach Jan Mann said. "There were definitely some scorable holes out there, and I think the team took advantage of those. With the exception of one or two holes, we played very consistently. They played pretty solid throughout."
Whaley played two of the best rounds of her career to lead Carolina, shooting a 4-under-par 68 in round one to take the lead and a 67 in round two to stay ahead of Desiree Andersson of Campbell who set a tournament record with her 64 in round two.
Whaley leads the field in par-4 scoring at 4-under, par-5 scoring at 7-under and in birdies with 14 through 36 holes. She also became one of only seven Tar Heels to ever shoot a 67.
Senior Bryana Nguyen finished not far behind Whaley, using six birdies to shoot a 68 in the sound round after a 74 in round one. This is the second time this season and the fourth time in her career Nguyen has carded a 68. She is in a tie for ninth at 2-under par heading into the final day of the tournament.
"It was great to see Kelly and Bryana play so well," Mann said. "I feel like it gives them a boost of confidence, and both of them played with a lot of confidence. That's what we are working for — just having fun, playing with confidence and not thinking too much."
Freshman Ava Bergner and sophomore Brynn Walker shot even-par 72 over the first 18 holes to help Carolina finish round one at 2-under-par 286 and just four shots out of the lead. In the second round, Walker made birdie on her final two holes to help push Carolina ahead of Campbell. She is in a tie for 12th heading into Tuesday. Bergner shot a 74 in the second round and is tied for 24th at 2-over.
Sophomore Mariana Ocano completed the scoring effort for Carolina in round two with a 73. She is tied for 52nd at 7-over par.
Junior Clementina Rodriguez, who is competing as an individual, is tied for 41st at 5-over par.
"Tomorrow they just have to play within themselves, play with that level of confidence, stay committed to their shots and stay in their process," Mann said. "They can't control what other competitors do. The only thing they can do is play the golf course."
ROUND 3: The final round of the tournament will resume at 8:00 a.m. (due to the potential for inclement weather) Tuesday in a shotgun start. Carolina will tee off from holes 1-3 with Campbell and Texas Tech. Live scoring is available at Golfstat.com, fans can follow @uncwomensgolf on twitter for updates throughout the round and a full recap will be available following the conclusion of play.
TAR HEEL SCORES
1 - Kelly Whaley 68-67–135 (-9)
T6 - Bryana Nguyen 74-68—142 (-2)
T12 - Brynn Walker 72-71—143 (-1)
T24 - Ava Bergner 72-74—146 (+2)
T52 - Mariana Ocano 78-73—151 (+7)
Team Totals: 286-279—565, -11 (1st of 17 teams)
(competing as an individual)
T41 - Clementina Rodriguez 75-74—149 (+5)
TEAM LEADERBOARD
1. North Carolina 286-279—565, (-11)
2. Campbell 282-284—566 (-10)
T3. Texas Tech 293-286—579 (+3)
T3. Illinois 293-286—579 (+3)
5. Georgetown 291-291—582 (+6)
INDIVIDUAL LEADERBOARD
1. Kelly Whaley (North Carolina) 68-67–135 (-9)
2. Desiree Andersson (Campbell) 73-64—137 (-7)
3. Nani Merchan (USF) 70-69—139 (-5)
4. Malene Krolbll Hansen (Coastal Carolina) 69-71—140 (-4)
5. Jacquelyn Eleey (Georgetwon) 71-70—141 (-3)
Players Mentioned
