Virginia Golfers Take 3-Shot Lead at LSU Classic

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March 3, 2006

Baton Rouge, LA – After getting off to a slow start at last week’s Papa John’s Collegiate, the 15th-ranked Virginia women’s golf team made sure it would not have to come from behind again at this week’s LSU Classic. Shooting 6-over 294, the Cavaliers grabbed a three-stroke advantage at the first round of the LSU Classic.

Virginia was led by the one-two punch of newcomer Jennie Arseneault and veteran Leah Wigger. Arseneault, a freshman playing in just her second tournament, fired a career-best 2-under 70 to share the early lead with Augusta State’s Garrett Phillips.

Wigger, who was the runner-up at the Papa John’s Collegiate, is one shot back in third place. Teammate Carly Truitt joined the other Wahoos in the top-10 on the leaderboard thanks to an opening round 74. Truitt is competing as an individual and her score did not count toward UVa’s team total.

Laurent Mielbrecht shot 75 and is 17th while Rachel Smith’s 78 has her in 39th place. Sally Shonk carded a 79 to place 49th.

The Cavaliers hold a three-shot lead over fifth-ranked Auburn. The Lady Tigers are alone in second at 297 while host LSU is third at 298. Augusta State, Mississippi State and Kentucky are knotted in fourth place at 304.

At the Papa John’s Collegiate, Virginia was in eighth place after the first round and then battled back to a third-place finish.

The second round of the tournament will take Saturday followed by the final 18 holes Sunday. Live scoring of the tournament can be found at Golfstat.com.

LSU Classic
First Round Results
The University Club
Par 72, 6,338 yards

Team Results

1. Virginia 294 2. Auburn 297 3. LSU 298 4. Augusta State 304 4. Mississippi State 304 4. Kentucky 304 7. NC State 307 7. Vanderbilt 307 9. Louisville 30710. Alabama 31011. Col. of Charleston 31111. Furman 31113. Florida State 31214. North Carolina 31515. UNC Wilmington 31916. Mississippi 32017. James Madison 32518. Birmingham Southern 327

Top Individuals 1. Jennie Arseneault, Virginia 70 1. Garrett Phillps, Augusta State 70 3. Leah Wigger, Virginia 71 4. Kathleen Ekey, Furman 72 4. Rebecca Kuhn, LSU 72 4. Maria Martinez, Auburn 72 7. Melissa Eaton, LSU 73 7. Cindy LaCrosse, Louisville 73 7. Carolilne Larsson, Florida State 7310. Carly Truitt, Virginia 7410. Katie Johnson, Kentucky 7410. Ali Kicklighter, Kentucky 7410. Ashleigh Korzack, Mississippi St. 7410. Jessica Lovell, Auburn 7410. Alexis Rather, LSU 7410. Carina Sorensen, Alabama 74

Virginia Results 1. Jennie Arseneault 70 3. Leah Wigger 7110. Carly Truitt* 7417. Lauren Mielbrecht 7539. Rachel Smith 7849. Sally Shonk 79* Playing as individual