Despite a nearly five-hour lightning delay in the middle of the round, the Gustavus Adolphus women’s golf team maintained their third-place position during Thursday’s third round of the 2006 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Championships at the Mission Inn Golf Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. After their third-round 331, the Gusties have a 56-hole team total of 987, five shots back of DePauw (982) and 12 shots clear of Wartburg (999). Methodist is cruising in first place with a team total of 928.
Sophomore Rachel Roberg (Rice Lake, Wis.) continues to be the highest placed Gustie, sitting in a tie for tenth place with a three-day 23-over-par 242. Roberg shot a 9-over 82 on Thursday.
Senior Alana Reetz (Milaca, Minn.) was one of the biggest movers of the tournament Thursday, firing a 7-over 80 to move from 28th place to a tie for 20th place. Reetz was one of five golfers to move up at least eight spots on the leaderboard. Kaci Fritsch of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor jumped nine spots with her 7-over 80 in round three.
Senior Kelli Groff (Bloomington, Minn.) is tied with Reetz at 30-over-par 249 after shooting an 84 on Thursday. First-year Kimbra Kosak (Grand Rapids, Minn.) is alone in 23rd place, one shot back of Groff and Reetz at 31-over 250 while junior Breanne Staples (Windom, Minn.) sits in a tie for 26th at 35-over-par 254.
Reetz and Staples each carded a birdie during round three. Reetz was one of only three players to birdie the par-3, 152 yard 12th hole, while Staples picked up her birdie on the par-3 15th hole.
Gustavus will be paired with Methodist and DePauw in the final round and will go off the first tee on the El Campeon Course at Mission Inn in ten minute intervals beginning at 8:50 a.m. EDT.