Feb. 26, 2007

BUIES CREEK, N.C. - During a beautiful day at Keith Hills Country Club No. 1 the Xavier women's golf team jumped out to seventh place in the 15-team field at the Fighting Camel Spring Classic.  Sophomore Mary Beth McKenna leads the Musketeers with a six-over par 78, leaving XU just six strokes back from second place Illinois State University.

Host Campbell University rocketed to a 15-shot lead over the field, led by individual leader Mary Mattson who carded an even-par 72 for the day. 

With only six shots separating Xavier from second place and two other schools tied just a stroke behind XU, the field could make a dramatic shift tomorrow.  After her best round of the spring season so far, sophomore Lindsay Cornell was optimistic about the Musketeer's chances, commenting "If we can all play just a couple shots better we should move up several spots." 

Cornell finished the day tied with senior Kara Manis for 15th place at seven-over par.  Playing in her first tournament of the year, senior Kathleen Hardy was listed as an individual for the tournament but shot the fourth-best round for the Musketeers with an eight-over par 80, tying her for 21st.  Junior Diana Torry and freshman Lindsay Steiner rounded out play for Xavier, both shooting a 13-over (85). 

Play will resume Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. with XU looking to hurdle the tightly packed field.