HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. ? On the strength of 2009 Southern Conference individual medalist Stefanie Kenoyer’s three-day 223 (+7) the Furman women’s golf team clinched its 13th SoCon Tournament title at the Moss Creek Golf Club in Hilton Head Island, S.C., today.
The title is the sophomore’s second straight after claiming last year’s championship. Kenoyer tied for the lead with 36 pars on the week to go along with six birdies. The Lighthouse Point, Fla., native also led the field on par five scoring on the week, averaging 4.75, good for -3.
The Paladins (916, +52) had all five players in the top 11, including four in the top seven.
Chattanooga, in only its second season fielding a women’s golf team, fired a three-day total 938 (+74), to claim second place. The Lady Mocs were led by a pair of top-five finishers in 2009 Freshman of the Year Maria Salinas (230, +14) and 2009 All-Conference member Emma de Groot (231, +15).
Elon (955, +91) finished third behind 2009 All-Conference member Danielle Mills’ (227, +11) second-straight runner-up finish.
Following the Phoenix were the College of Charleston (961, +97), UNC Greensboro (962, +98), Western Carolina (971, +107), Wofford (976, +112), Samford (985, +121), Appalachian State (1003, +139) and The Citadel (1049, +185).
With the win, Furman will now advance to its 17th-straight NCAA regional when it travels to Gainesville, Fla., May 7-9 to compete in the East Regionals at the University of Florida Golf Club.
The 2009 postseason awards were handed out following the conclusion of the tournament. Furman led the way with three members selected, while College of Charleston and Chattanooga each had two. The Lady Mocs also claimed a pair of all-freshman award winners. Salinas won Freshman of the Year, while Kenoyer won Player of the Year. Furman coach Jen Hanna was named Coach of the Year.
Final Team Standings
1. Furman 916 (+52)
2. Chattanooga 938 (+74)
3. Elon 955 (+91)
4. College of Charleston 961 (+97)
5. UNC Greensboro 962 (+98)
6. Western Carolina 971 (+107)
7. Wofford 976 (+112)
8. Samford 985 (+121)
9. Appalachian State 1003 (+139)
10. The Citadel 1049 (+185)
Final Individual Standings (Top 10)
1. Stefanie Kenoyer, Furman 223 (+7)
2. Danielle Mills, Elon 227 (+11)
T3. Blair Lamb, Furman 230 (+14)
T3. Maria Salinas, Chattanooga 230 (+14)
5. Emma de Groot, Chattanooga 231 (+15)
6. Jackie Hilea, Furman 234 (+18)
T7. Brie Heinzler, Furman 235 (+19)
T7. Fiona Puyo, College of Charleston 235 (+19)
T9. Erica Creed, UNC Greensboro 236 (+20)
T9. Katelyn Stanier, Samford 236 (+20)
All-Southern Conference
Steffi Kirchmayr, College of Charleston
Fiona Puyo, College of Charleston
Danielle Mills, Elon
Stefanie Kenoyer, Furman
Blair Lamb, Furman
Jackie Hilea, Furman
Katelyn Stanier, Samford
Emma de Groot, Chattanooga
Maria Salinas, Chattanooga
Blaire Minter, Western Carolina
All-Freshman
Leigh Whittaker, College of Charleston
Maria Juliona Loza, Chattanooga
Maria Salinas, Chattanooga
Blaire Minter, Western Carolina
Sarah Hurt, Wofford
Freshman of the Year
Maria Salinas, Chattanooga
Player of the Year
Stefanie Kenoyer, Furman
Coach of the Year
Jen Hanna, Furman