Merrill cards low round of weekend to lead Vanderbilt on Sunday
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Senior Ava Merrill carded a 5-under 66 to guide Vanderbilt women’s golf to a fourth-place finish at the Mason Rudolph Championship at Vanderbilt Legends Club.
Vanderbilt finished the final round 1-over-par at 285 and 1-over for the tournament to finish in fourth, just three strokes back of championship-winning Mississippi State.
“We got what we needed with Florida coming back to the field but we just couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity,” said head coach Greg Allen. “Too many missed putts and for whatever reason, we just didn’t play the par 5s like you need to on this course. I think we probably pressed a little bit.”
Merrill’s bogey-free 66 was the low round of the tournament, landing her in a tie for second individually. Angelina Tolentino turned in a 1-over 72 to bounce back on Sunday.
Olivia Wood carded a 2-over 73 to finish at 1-under for the weekend. Wood earned an eighth-place finish individually. Kathryn Ha rounded out the scoring with a 3-over 74 to finish tied for 17th overall. Sara Im came home in 76 strokes.
“Ava played great and really carried us all day,” said Allen. “She looked really good and in control of her game. I’m really happy to see Liv get a top 10 finish in just her second tournament as a Commodore.
“Kathryn showed a lot of toughness today playing with a really sore wrist. That kid is as tough as they come and always finds a way for her score to count. I’m proud of how we competed and stayed in the fight. This will make us better.”
Individually, Claire Henson finished tied for 17th after a final round 76. Macie Brown also posted a 76 while Elizabeth Rudisill carded an 80 in the final circuit.
Mississippi State claimed the crown at 2-under for the weekend. Florida and Arizona State finished tied for second at 1-under par.
Vanderbilt returns to action at The Ally at Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point, Mississippi, beginning October 5.
