RADFORD MAKES PROGRAM HISTORY AT BIG SOUTH WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

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ROUND 2

GEORGETOWN, S.C. – Behind two of its golfers in the Top 10, Radford recorded its best-ever finish at the Big South Women's Golf Championship by placing third following Wednesday's final round at The DeBordieu Golf Club (par 72, 6,191 yards).

"I am overwhelmed with joy for this team right now," head coach Jeff Beeler expressed after the round. "I thought we had a great approach and executed our game plan, especially considering it was our first time playing at this venue. We didn't win, but for us to finish third is another tremendous step for our program moving forward. It's going to be a great trip back to Radford."

Battling wind and rain, the Highlanders carded a two-day 638 (315-323) to finish behind tournament champion Coastal Carolina (614) and Campbell (630). RU entered the event seeded sixth.

"Poor weather really played a factor in this tournament," Beeler pointed out. "I want to commend our young ladies for persevering under the difficult circumstances. Olivia [Jay] came up and told me on the third hole, 'we can do this. We can move up. We have to play.' After hearing that, I had a great feeling good things were going to happen for us today."

Radford had never finished higher than fourth place prior to Wednesday. The Highlanders had achieved that benchmark six times, including twice under Beeler.

Continuing her solid play from Tuesday's first round, Larissa Carter returned a 6-over-par 78 to the clubhouse to finish third at 152. Based on her Top-5 performance, Carter earned a spot on the all-tournament team. It was Radford's top finisher on the individual leaderboard since Stephanie George won in 2001.

Playing in her final conference championship, Alexandra Austin concluded her storybook career with a ninth-place showing. The Burke, Va., native fired a 157 (81-76) to notch her fourth Top 10 of the season. She leaves with the Highlanders' top career scoring average.

Khushboo Thiagaraj narrowly missed a Top-10 effort, charting a 160 (79-81) to tie for 13^th. Olivia Jay (170) tied for 34^th, while Meagan Board (177) placed 40^th.

Lena Schaeffner, the Big South Women's Golfer of the Year, claimed the individual title by one shot over teammate Malene Krolboll Hansen. Schaeffner fired a 3-over-par 147 (73-74) to top the 44-golfer field.

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Players Mentioned

Alexandra Austin: 5' 4"; Senior

Olivia Jay: 5' 3"; Sophomore

Khushboo Thiagaraj: 5' 5"; Freshman

Larissa Carter: 5' 6"; Freshman

Meagan Board: 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Alexandra Austin
: 5' 4"; Senior

Olivia Jay
: 5' 3"; Sophomore

Khushboo Thiagaraj
: 5' 5"; Freshman

Larissa Carter
: 5' 6"; Freshman

Meagan Board
: 5' 6"; Freshman