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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss
NCAA East Regional
Season Ends At Daytona Beach For Rebel Golfers
5/7/2011 | Women's Golf
May 7, 2011
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Ole Miss junior golfer Natalie Gleadall just missed out on advancing to the NCAA Finals by two strokes here Saturday at the LPGA International Legends Golf Course, as the Rebels saw their season come to an end with a 14th-place finish.
Gleadall, who led the Rebels in eight of 10 tournaments this year, shot a 4-under 68 in the second round to move up the leader board and in position to advance, just like the Rebels. After her final round 75, she had to wait around to find out if her total would be good enough. Unfortunately, it was not quite enough. The Ontario, Canada native finished with a 219 to tie for 18th in the individual standings.
"Natalie had a great week, and positioned herself to advance as an individual to the National Championship," head coach Michele Drinkard said. "She made great strides this year and has led us all season. We look forward to next year with her only getting better."
As a team, the Rebels came into the final round tied for ninth and just one shot out of the top eight (necessary to advance), but carded a final round 310 to finish with a 906 total and in 14th place in the 24-team regional.
Ole Miss shot a 303 in the first round and then came out and fired a 293 Friday, to move up the leader board. They were hoping to advance to the NCAA Finals for the first time in the program's history, but it wasn't meant to be.
"I am proud of our team today," head coach Michele Drinkard said. They went out with a "play to win" attitude, and even though the ball didn't bounce our way you would have never known it by watching them."
Gleadall and fellow juniors Haley Millsap and Ashley Lance will all be back next year along with redshirt freshman Kathryn Fowler. The Rebels' lone senior, Jillian Brodd, concluded her career at Daytona Beach.
"Jillian has provided us with great leadership and will truly be missed in our day-to-day activities. I have learned at Ole Miss even though you graduate you never out grow the "Traveling Grove," Drinkard said.
The Rebels have qualified for NCAA Regionals three straight years under Drinkard, and she hopes with a veteran team next year, to finally break through.
"I appreciate all of our team for their hard work this season on the course and in the classroom," Drinkard said. "We will have a very seasoned team next year; a team that has been knocking on the door to the National Championships. Next year we are kicking the door down!"
Alabama, the top seed in the field, posted an 866 to beat North Carolina (868) by two. Arizona State, Coastal Carolina, California, Purdue, Florida and Vanderbilt also advanced to the NCAA Championships in College Station, Texas. Vanderbilt edged Florida State in a playoff.
NCAA EAST REGIONAL - DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.
TEAM STANDINGS (EIGHT TEAMS ADVANCING)
1. Alabama 287-284-295--866
2. North Carolina 293-282-293--868
3. Arizona State 295-288-288--871
4. Coastal Carolina 286-298-292--876
5. California 290-295-293--878
6. Purdue 295-285-299--879
7. Florida 298-297-285--880
T8. Vanderbilt * 302-295-293--890
T8. Florida State 297-295-298--890
16. Ole Miss 303-293-310--906
* Won in a playoff
OLE MISS INDIVIDUALS
T18. Natalie Gleadall 76-68-75--219
T44. Haley Millsap 73-74-78--225
T78. Kathryn Fowler 77-75-79--231
T78. Ashley Lance 77-76-78--231
T120. Jillian Brodd 80-87-87--254
