HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (April 15, 2024) – From a two-shot lead to now ten.
 
Thanks to a strong closing run in Monday's second round of the Southern Conference Championship, the ETSU women's golf team extended its advantage to double digits at the Moss Creek Golf Club.
 
ETSU, who went back-and-forth with two-time defending champion Furman throughout second round play, was able to see its lead grow after playing the last three holes at four-under, while the Paladins played holes 16-thru-18 at four-over.
 
The Bucs carded an 8-over 296 on Monday and sit at 13-over-par 589 for the tournament. Furman shot 16-over 304 and is in second place at 23-over-par 599, while Samford is one shot back in third at 24-over-par 600.
 
ETSU continues to lead the field in par-4 scoring (4.12), while the Blue & Gold took over the spot in birdies made with 24. The Bucs totaled 14 on Monday.
 
With ETSU eyeing its second SoCon title in program history, Sophie Bert is looking for her first conference crown on the individual side. Bert, one of just three golfers in the field to shoot below par in round two, posted a 1-under 71 to move into a tie for first at even-par 144. Bert is tied with Samford's Bailey Dunstan as they sit one stroke ahead of reigning champion Anna Morgan of Furman. Morgan went 3-over 75 on Monday and is 1-over-par 145 for the tournament.
 
Brianna Castaldi and Grace Chin still remain in the top 10 as the Buccaneer duo are tied for sixth at 4-over-par 148. In addition to using scores from Bert, Castadli and Chin on Monday, Amber Thornton gave the Blue & Gold a countable score with a 3-over 75. Thornton, who is tied for 22nd (+10), was one-under on the front but played the back nine at four-over. Alex Crafton is tied for 15th at 9-over-par 153.
 
Bert and Chin each tallied four birdies each in round two. Bert registered three birdies over the final eight holes, while Chin helped ignite that stretch run following back-to-back birdies on No. 16 and 17. Bert has seven birdies for the tournament, while Chin – who leads the field in par-4 scoring (3.85) – has six birdies.
 
The Bucs tee off Tuesday's final round starting at 9:20 a.m. ETSU will be grouped with Furman and Samford.
 
Fans can follow live scoring via Golfstat.com.
 
For more information on Buccaneer women's golf, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the women's golf page.