Kate Matthews finished second overall on the player leaderboard as the Lady Bruins finished third in their opening tournament of the 2020 fall season. The team competed against Bryan College and Spartanburg Methodist College in a two-day tournament at Cobb's Glen Country Club in Anderson, South Carolina.
"We were thrilled just to get back out on the links in a competitive event," Bruins Head Coach Denny Scott said. "These players have worked diligently over the past six months and we are seeing some good improvement in their skills though it may not always be evident in their scores. Progress is being made and there are some encouraging signs."
In the opening round on Monday, Matthews led the way with several great pars to help the team start well. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the teams would play in groups as a team rather than be paired with players from other teams. This helped the Bruins be able to encourage one another through the opening holes.
As the Bruins made the turn, scores began to take a turn for the worse as the team struggled to take advantage of their opportunities. As a result, the Bruins finished the opening round in third place behind SMC and BC. Despite the finish, Kate Matthews ended the round tied for first place overall on the individual leaderboard.
Although it was unlikely for the team to climb the leaderboard in day two, the Bruins were determined to play better and it showed over the course of the final round. Matthews struggled to start but then began to find her groove as she birdied the fourth hole before recording four straight pars to help close out the front nine.
Sophomore Rachel Brown was able to par the third hole of the round, but that was the only other par the team would record on the front nine as they made thr turn to close out the tournament. Unfortunately, the final holes weren't forgiving for the Bruins as the team struggled to finish well as the placed 3rd overall in the tournament. Despite a solid tournament, Matthews couldn't hold her lead individually as she finished 2nd overall, just five strokes behind the winner.
"Cobb's Glen is a challenging layout for even the most highly skilled golfers," Coach Scott said. "The limited competitive experience our girls have makes it more so. However, I was proud of their persistent efforts to rise to the challenge."
Next up, the Bruins will compete in the NCCAA South Regional Tournament at Columbia Country Club in Columbia, South Carolina.
