Monday, September 20
Greenville, N.C.
8 A.M.
East Carolina University
vs
Pirate Collegiate Classic
ECU Claims Two Titles At Pirate Collegiate Classic
September 21, 2021 | Women's Golf
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Oda Sofie Kilsti earned her first collegiate victory and East Carolina led start to finish to claim its fourth consecutive Pirate Collegiate Classic title at the Greenville Country Club on Tuesday. ECU has won each of the fall tournaments it has hosted since moving the event to Greenville in 2016.
ECU claimed the team title with a final tally of 19-over 883, 10 strokes better than second place Towson who finished at 29-over 893.
"Everyone on this team stepped up big time this week. We evaluated where we fell short at Caledonia, and prepared to be better and that showed," Pirate head coach CC Buford said. "We always seem to start slow, and we still need to improve there, but getting the win on our home course is a great feeling."
ECU claimed the team title with a final tally of 19-over 883, 10 strokes better than second place Towson who finished at 29-over 893.
"Everyone on this team stepped up big time this week. We evaluated where we fell short at Caledonia, and prepared to be better and that showed," Pirate head coach CC Buford said. "We always seem to start slow, and we still need to improve there, but getting the win on our home course is a great feeling."
Three Pirates finished in the top 10 led by Kilsti who carded a career-best 4-under 212. She entered the final round holding a seven-stroke lead and finished five strokes ahead of the field. Fifth-year senior Kathryn Carson posted her first career top 5 finish, finishing third at 2-over 218. Junior Caroline Hermes tied for 10th at 8-over 224.
"Oda was sensational all week," Buford continued. "I don't think I've seen her play better golf than the 36 holes on Monday, and even with sleeping on the lead that night, she fought through that pressure to win her first college title. Kathryn was very steady all week as well. She's played this course nearly a hundred times and because of that she knew exactly where to be and the third place finish showed that. And was very encouraged to see Caroline repeat a top 10 performance from the 2019 event."
"What we have on our golf team is something special," Kilsti said. "Walking up the last hole and seeing everyone cheering for me and being happy on my behalf, is something I am so grateful for. I've dreamt about winning a college tournament, and I couldn't have imagined doing it without the team by my side."
Redshirt freshman Riley Hamilton posted her best score of the tournament Tuesday with a 2-over 74 and finished 15th at 11-over 227. True freshman Macie Burcham tied for 18th in her collegiate debut at 13-over 229 after recording a 3-over 75 during the final round. Freshman Andrea Miralles Llopis was poised to shoot under par this afternoon until rain suspended play. However, she did post the team's lowest score of the day at 1-over 73 and finished tied for 23rd at 15-over 231.
"Everyone on the team came ready to give their best, even with our backs against the wall a bit," Buford said. "Our freshman got to see what it's like to play with the home crowd and I believe that made a difference.
"This weekend is our Pirate Cup fundraiser and I'm very excited for Pirate Nation to see what this team is capable of and to show what their support means to us.
"Oda was sensational all week," Buford continued. "I don't think I've seen her play better golf than the 36 holes on Monday, and even with sleeping on the lead that night, she fought through that pressure to win her first college title. Kathryn was very steady all week as well. She's played this course nearly a hundred times and because of that she knew exactly where to be and the third place finish showed that. And was very encouraged to see Caroline repeat a top 10 performance from the 2019 event."
"What we have on our golf team is something special," Kilsti said. "Walking up the last hole and seeing everyone cheering for me and being happy on my behalf, is something I am so grateful for. I've dreamt about winning a college tournament, and I couldn't have imagined doing it without the team by my side."
Redshirt freshman Riley Hamilton posted her best score of the tournament Tuesday with a 2-over 74 and finished 15th at 11-over 227. True freshman Macie Burcham tied for 18th in her collegiate debut at 13-over 229 after recording a 3-over 75 during the final round. Freshman Andrea Miralles Llopis was poised to shoot under par this afternoon until rain suspended play. However, she did post the team's lowest score of the day at 1-over 73 and finished tied for 23rd at 15-over 231.
"Everyone on the team came ready to give their best, even with our backs against the wall a bit," Buford said. "Our freshman got to see what it's like to play with the home crowd and I believe that made a difference.
"This weekend is our Pirate Cup fundraiser and I'm very excited for Pirate Nation to see what this team is capable of and to show what their support means to us.
The Pirates will return to action Oct. 3-5 at the Princess Anne Invitational in Virginia Beach, Va.
Players Mentioned
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