Freshman leads women's field at MOC Spring Invitational

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 9, 2013 1:47 PM

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Two Mount Olive College golfers find themselves in position for medalist honors after opening-round play of the second annual MOC Spring Invitational.

Trojan freshman Virginia Lane emerged the first-day leader with a 3-over par 75 and holds a one-stroke advantage over teammate Emelie Anderson heading into Tuesday's final round on the Walnut Creek Country Club links.

MOC shot 317 as a team and leads the field by 23 strokes.

"Virginia has been steady all year," Trojans head coach Chip Spiron said. "I thought the girls played really well. We didn't shoot our best team score of the year, but it was a good round especially for Walnut Creek because it's a tough course.

"I was excited to see them play well on their home course."

Julie Leonnechen and Stefany King each posted an 83, while Emy Ohling rounded out the Trojans' effort with an 87.

"Stefany has been playing good lately and to shoot an 83 on a good course, I was really excited about that," Spiron said.

Junior Dalton Gore two-putted on the final hole and posted a 2-under par 70, which tied him for first along with Duke's duo of Tim Gornik and Adam Sumrall during the men's portion of the Invitational.

Four golfers share second place at 1-under 71 -- Trent Cloninger (UNC Pembroke), Chandler Gruenmeier (Newberry), Nicolas Fonseca (Barton) and Philippe Tjantele (MOC "B").

UNCP holds a one-stroke edge over Newberry, 294-295, in team competition. Perennial Division II power Barton and Mount Olive's "A" squad are tied for third at 296.

MOC's "B" team is fifth at 301.

"Dalton really stepped up today and kept us in the running with that two-putt on the last hole," Spiron said. "The other four struggled a little bit, but held it together. At Walnut Creek, you're not going to make a lot of birdies, so it's important to minimize your mistakes."

Sophomore Jesus Valderrama complimented Gore with a 2-over 74. Freshman Sebastian Andersen collected a 75 that included a 34 on the back nine, while senior Kyle Simpson contributed a 77. Mark O'Hara turned in an 80.