Bears Shoot Second-Straight Round of 305 at A-Sun Championships

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – The Mercer women's golf team equaled its first round total of 305 in Tuesday's second round to remain in striking distance of the leaders at the Atlantic Sun Championship. Entering Wednesday's final round at the Venetian Bay Golf Club, the Bears are in sixth place.

"We shot another 305 today which ties our low round of the year," said Mercer head coach
Gary Guyer. "Since we play five golfers and count four, it was an interesting feeling to throw out a 79. I am so proud of these girls with their competitive spirit and determination. It is amazing how much they have improved."

With a two-day total of 610, the Bears are just 12 strokes behind Stetson for fifth place at the event. ETSU (586) leads the field after recording a team score of 291 on Tuesday.

"The A-Sun conference is getting better every year," Guyer said. "I mean, Kennesaw State shot even par today. That is a great score on any golf course. We are starting to be able to compete with them and they are taking notice of our young team."

Mercer senior Monica Kelsey fired a two-over, 74, on Tuesday, marking the Bears' best round of the day. Kelsey's round was a model of consistency, paring 16 of 18 holes. Sophomore Alicia Poole posted a 76 on Tuesday and both golfers are tied for 16th place individually. Kelsey and Poole both have used 151 strokes in the opening two rounds of play.

"Monica played well again," Guyer said. "She had a large number of lip-outs or she would have been under par today. Alicia continues her consistent play and is gaining more confidence in herself with every round."

Freshman Kimmy Graff carded a 77 in round two, brining her total 152. Graff is now tied for 23rd place individually. Graff's classmate, Kaitlin Marrin shot a 78 on Tuesday, improving upon her day-one total by 13 strokes.

Aurelie Wiriath rounded out Mercer's competitors, posting a 79 in round two and is in the clubhouse tied for 34th place.

"Kimmy can play with anybody," Guyer said. "She will shoot in the 60's very soon. I knew Kaitlin would bounce back and she did. She has incredible determination. Aurelie started slow on the front nine, but finished with a 36 on the back. She stayed with it and finished strong."

The final round of play is slated to begin Wednesday at 8 a.m.