Feb. 23, 2002

GAINESVILLE, FLA. -- The University of North Carolina women's golf team is tied for ninth place following the second round of the SunTrust Lady Gator Invitational after posting a two day total of 631. Leading the event in team competition is the University of Florida who finish the day at 600 giving the Gators an eight stroke lead over Southeastern conference rival Georgia. Rounding out the top five is Mississippi State at 609, while Vanderbilt University and the University of South Carolina are tied for fifth at 612.

Meredith Duncan of Louisiana State continues to lead all individuals after firing an even-par 70, the only even round or better of the day on the par 70, 5,927-yard layout at University Golf Course. The University of Florida's Brittany Straza closed out the second round in second after scoring a one-over -par 71 giving her a two day total of 144 while Anna Gertsson of Mississippi State follows close behind in third at 145. Rounding out the top five in individual scoring is Vanderbilt's Sarah Jacobs at 146 and in fifth place sits Kacy Thomson of the University of South Carolina at 147.

UNC Sophomore Ashley Prange had a disapointing day dropping out of a fifth place tie to 31st after a second round score of 86. Junior Abby Spector dropped in the standings as well with a second round score of 81, while Senior Shelley McKevitt vaulted from 74th to 46th after a round of 76. Senior Beth Lever moved from 67th to 59th while Tar Heel Freshman Romi Irons fell from 30th to 74th.

The 54-hole event continues through Sunday at University Golf Course in Gainesville, Fla.