Bulldogs Improve In Second Round Behind Peng

Monday, February 8

Orlando, Fla. (Eagle Creek GC)

All Day

Mississippi State

UCF Challenge

Bulldogs Improve In Second Round Behind Peng

February 08, 2016 | Women's Golf

By: hailstate.com

Orlando, Fla. – After a tough first round Sunday, the Mississippi State women's golf team bounced back in grand fashion as it improved by 21 strokes from the first to second round. The team ended the day at 295 and tied for 15th place.

“I was much more pleased with today's round, even though we still had lots of small mistakes that cost us in the end,” MSU coach Ginger Brown-Lemm said. “The wind didn't pick up much until our back nine holes, so we were fortunate there, as compared to yesterday.”

Being deemed as one of the most consistent players on the MSU squad, junior Jessica Peng proved herself just that today as she finished with 69 to stand tied for 11^th.

Peng started off hot as she birdied her first hole and didn't look back. Finishing her first nine 2-under-par, and her back nine, 1-under.

“Jessica Played very well by shooting the 69,” Brown-Lemm said. “We knew that was coming after yesterday. Her commitment and focus is spot on .”

Izel Pieters came out strong shooting three birdies on the day and ending the round with a 76.

Freshman Kendall Wisenbaker tied Pieters for 76 on the day.

Shaving nine strokes off of her first round, junior Ji Eun Baik started off shaky and then found her rhythm landing back-to-back birdies during her final nine holes en route to a 74.

“Today I tried to forget about yesterday's round, and just play one shot at a time,” Baik said. “I didn't event realize that I shot two under on the back nine until I signed my scorecard at the end. I was proud that I just stayed in the moment and played each hole.”

Bianca Theron ended the day by shooting 78 for the second day in a row.

Another impressive day came from the freshman Katie Holt, who is playing as an individual. Holt came out of the gates shooting great. After a birdie on her first shot, she was able to produce three more to finish her front nine holes 1-under. She finished the day at even par.

Mississippi State will resume play Tuesday morning for the Final Round of the UCF Challenge.

UCF Challenge Team Results- Second Round

1.Missouri 301+283=584 (+8)

2.Tulane 302+285=587 (+11)

3.Iowa State 301+287=588 (+12)

4.Houston 295+295=590 (+14)

5.Kentucky 303+292=595 (+19)

6.Texas 299+297=596 (+20)

7.Augusta U. 301+296=597 (+21)

8.Vanderbilt 309+289=598 (+22)

9.East Carolina 309+290=599 (+23)

T10.UCF 306+295=601 (+25)