WEST POINT, Miss. — Thunderstorms extended the second day of The Ally into dusk for Vanderbilt women’s golf, but the Commodores persisted, posting a tournament record 14-under-par round as a team. The Dores climbed into third place with a 10-under total and 18 holes remaining in the event.
“I’m really proud of the toughness and the resilience our team showed today,” said head coach Greg Allen. “We knew we had a chance to be out there for a long time with the thunderstorms. Starting and stopping a round due to weather can be a little frustrating if you don’t have the right mindset.”
Elizabeth Rudisill carded her best round as a Commodore, holing 10 birdies on the way to tying the Vanderbilt record for lowest individual round with an 8-under-par 64. The freshman now has sole possession of the individual lead at 6-under par, eyeing a second-straight tournament victory.
“That round today by Rudy was one of the best rounds I’ve seen in a really long time,” said Allen. “She was in such a better place mentally today, and she hit her irons so good and had a hot putter. That is a great recipe for a low round.”
Ava Merrill shot a 3-under-par 69 complete with an eagle on hole No. 15. She is now tied for seventh place individually. Angelina Tolentino, tied for 21st, went 2-under par. Sara Im had a 1-under par second round, and Lynn Lim tallied a 74.
“It was a team effort as well,” said Allen. “Ava, AT and Sara all played great.”
Competing as an individual, Tillie Claggett notched a 6-under-par 66 in her second round. She is tied for 14th. Kathryn Ha, tied for 23rd individually, shot a 74.
“It was nice to see Tillie go low as an individual,” said Allen. “Our girls totally embraced everything today threw at us, and because of that we’re right back in it.”
The Commodores are six strokes behind second place Arkansas and seven behind clubhouse leader Florida. Ole Miss is in fourth place at 4-under par.
Vanderbilt leads the tournament in total birdies with 38 and par-4 average at 3.91 strokes.
“We need another solid day tomorrow, but down seven is a lot more attainable than down 12,” said Allen. “Tomorrow should be a fun day. We need our girls to come out locked in and stay locked in all day.”
Vanderbilt will tee off Wednesday’s final round at 10:00 a.m. CT with Arkansas and Florida. Live scoring for the event can be found on Scoreboard.
..