Bulldogs Turn Attention To NCAA Regional
May 04, 2016 | Women's Golf
Baton Rouge, La. – After a season of growing and learning, the Mississippi State women's golf team still managed to get half of its tournament travel squad to the first round of the NCAA Championships after missing it as a team by less than five ranking spots.
Having to take team leader roles this season as juniors, Jessica Peng and Ji Eun Baik both accepted responsibility without hesitation, leading the team in lowest stroke averages. The two head into the Baton Rouge regional as the 4th and 5th seed, respectfully.
While they had stellar seasons compared to normal standards, Peng and Baik expected a lot more of themselves than what they showcased this season as they look to the NCAA Regional.
“I didn't have the season that I had hoped for this year, and I think that I am very lucky to get to go to the regional,” Peng said. “It will give me another chance to perform my best and finish strong.”
Peng finished T20 in the SEC Championship.
“I am so blessed to go to the regional,” Baik said. “I will be practicing and playing a lot to build confidence in my game. Jessica and I making it to nationals will be incredible, so I really want to give it my all to make that happen.”
Baik had four Top 20 finishes on the season.
“Jessica and Ji Eun had solid years as individuals, but not up to their expectations and goals,” MSU coach Ginger Brown-Lemm said. “It is very exciting that they are in the first round of the NCAA's. They each are very talented and since they have played twice in Baton Rouge, they are familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the course, when to be patient and when to be aggressive to succeed there.”
Previously this season in the LSU Tiger Classic, Baik tallied her best finish of the season, carding a 227 to finish T9 overall, while Peng placed T34.
The first round of play is slated to start May 5 and concludes the 7th. Live scoring will be provided through Golfstat.com, as well as @hailstateWG on all social media.
