University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Cougar Classic
Lady Vols Open Fall With Tie For Ninth
September 11, 2012 | Women's Golf
Sept. 11, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Senior Erica Popson paced the ninth-ranked Tennessee women's golf team during the final round of the Cougar Classic, as the squad finished tied for ninth in its first tournament of the season.
Popson tied for third after being one of four players to fire 4-under par 68 in the final round. Jumping up 11 spots from the second round, the All-American carded an eagle and three birdies on the day.
"I felt that I played pretty good this week, but had a few mistakes that cost me," Popson said. "I went in the tournament with the goal to win this week, and I fell short so I am going to work hard on my game over the next three weeks to prepare for our next tournament. I thought this was a good start to my senior year and just hope to keep getting better and better throughout the year."
"Erica had a very good tournament," head coach Judi Pavon said. "It was nice to see her play well and look confident on the course again."
The Big Orange totaled 296-288-294=878 (+14) over the three-day tournament, tying with North Carolina.
"Today the conditions were a little tougher, there were some tough pins and it was a little windy," Pavon said. "We had a good round going, but made a couple big numbers coming in on some of the tougher holes. All in all it was a good tournament and everyone played at least one good round. It was a very strong field, so we would have had to play really well in order to compete to win."
Senior Sara Monberg shot 4-over par 76 to finish with a three-round total 222 (+6). Junior Chessey Thomas carded a 223 (+7) at the Classic to finish in a tie for 54th while sophomore AJ Newell tied for 63rd with a 225 (+9) total. Freshman Ashlee Pickerell closed out her inaugural collegiate event at 239 (+23).
UT will have three weeks off before returning to action on Oct. 5 for the Liz Murphey Fall Preview in Athens, Ga.
