The University of Mississippi Athletics
From the Tee Box at the 2016 SEC Championships
4/15/2016 | Athletics, Blog
As the Ole Miss women's golf team tees it upthis weekend at the 2016 SEC Championships at Greystone Golf and Country Clubin Birmingham, OleMissSports.com tagged along to record some of thebehind-the-scenes action and each day will bring five observations from theround.
Round One - Friday, April 15, 2016
1.รย Martina Flori Likes Big Tournaments
Freshman Martina Flori (MontecatiniTerme, Italy) had a great first round of the SEC Tournament. The Italian, whois making her SEC Championship debut, fired a career-best 1-over par 73 to leadthe Rebels on the round. The 73 was Flori's best round since her collegiatedebut in the first round at the Memphis Intercollegiate where she fired a 75.When being congratulated by her coaches on her round, Flori commented, "It wasa tough and stressful round, but I like big tournaments" Here's hoping thatFlori can keep that momentum rolling through the rest of the tournament.
2. Sweet Home Alabama
Senior Alison Hovatter (Meridianville, Ala.)is playing in her final SEC Championship and with the championship being heldin Alabama, Hovatter had an entourage with her during Friday's round. Herparent's Lou and Freddie were in attendance as were numerous family friendsincluding some members from her home course back in Meridianville.#HovatterFanClubรย
3. Strong Start For the Rebels
Ole Miss fired a 301 in the opening round of the 2016 SEC Championships, whichplaces them in ninth place entering Saturday's second round. It's a tight raceat the top with just six strokes separating third through ninth places. OleMiss' round of 301 is nine strokes better than its opening round last seasonand is the lowest first round score for Ole Miss since a 291 at the CSU FallInvitational in October. Additionally, Ole Miss' 301 is the lowest first roundscore at the SEC Championships since a 284 in the 2010 championship.
4. Family Affair
For Ole Miss head coach Kory Henkes golf is a family affair. She joined herbrother Kyle Thompson, who currently plays on the Web.com Tour, and her sisterKacy Thompson in playing collegiate golf at South Carolina and throughout hercoaching career her husband Kenneth and her Caryl and Steve can be seen withthe team at many tournaments. This week Henkes' parents and husband Kennethhave joined the Rebels in Birmingham.
5. Rebs Rocked The Powder Blues on Friday
Attire is a big deal in the golf world and today Ole Miss sported powder bluetops and red skirts. The Rebels topped off their outfits with white hats andwhite pullovers.รย
