DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Despite wet conditions and a lengthy rain delay, Seton Hall expanded its team lead of the 2014 Big East championship by 10 strokes in Friday's second round. The Pirates now lead second place Georgetown by 13 strokes with 18 holes remaining.
Amazingly, the Pirates shaved 12 strokes off its first round score with a 14-over-par 302. Georgetown had the second-best round two score, but it was 10 strokes worse than Seton Hall. For the tournament, the Pirates are 40-over-par with a 314-302-616. Georgetown is 53-over-par with a 317-312-629. Both Xavier and St. John's are tied for third at 59-over-par.
"We showed a lot of character and focus to shoot a 302 on a wet course after a lengthy delay," head coach Sara Doell said. "All five golfers were steady and mentally strong throughout the day's competition. Big things will come if we can do it again for 18 more holes."
Today, it was Megan Tenhundfeld, who led the Pirates with the low score. The sophomore saved one of her best career rounds for the second round of the BIG EAST Championship with a 1-over-par 73. Tenhundfeld is tied for second place among all individual golfers with an 8-over-par, 79-73-152.
Teammate Ali Kruse also had a huge day for the Pirates. Kruse shot a 2-over-par, 74, and was great on the greens. She's tied with Tenhundfeld for second place.
"Megan was so steady all day long, and Ali put together a round that is reflective of her reputation," Doell said. They did a wonderful job spearheading our round today."
Both Pirates trail the individual leader, St. John's Harin Lee, by four strokes entering Saturday's final round.
Erin McClure fired a second round, 76, and is only one stroke behind her teammates in sixth place. Currently, she is 9-over-par with a 77-76-153 through two rounds.
Hannah Basalone had a tough start to her round, but battled through and shaved a stroke off her first round score. Basalone is tied for 11th with a 15-over-par, 80-79-159.
Karlie Zabrosky is currently 21-over-par with an 83-82-165.
"Eighteen holes separate us from reaching a goal we set four years ago," Doell said. "Regardless of what tomorrow brings, I already couldn't be more proud of these ladies.
