Texas A&M leads after Round 2 of #NCAAWGolf while @LSUWomensGolf climbed nine spots to T-5 despite a career-worst day from its star:https://t.co/7IDogNS8kj
— Brentley Romine (@BrentleyGC) May 19, 2024
LSU surprisingly rose in the NCAA Championship rankings, even though their top athlete, Ingrid Lindblad, had a dreadful game.
The fifth-year senior and the world’s top-ranked amateur recorded a shocking 9-over 81 during her second round at Omni La Costa. This score, marked by a triple-bogey on the par-5 10th hole and six additional bogeys, is the highest of her collegiate career, leaving her outside the top 120 individually.
“Ingrid Lindblad just had an off day, but she’s physically fine,” said LSU head coach Garrett Runion. “With the pressure off, we expect her to bounce back strong in the next two rounds.”
Fortunately for the Tigers, Lindblad’s teammates stepped up. Aine Donegan delivered an impressive bogey-free 5-under 67, while Carla Tejedo added a solid 71. Their efforts contributed to LSU’s 2-under team score for the round, propelling them nine spots up to a tie for fifth place overall.
After 72 holes, the top eight teams advance to match play. Currently, Texas A&M leads at 11 under, with Stanford, Clemson, UCLA, Auburn, and Oregon all in positions to qualify. LSU, now at one under, joins them in the top tier. Arkansas and Northwestern are tied for eighth at two over, just ahead of Duke.
Reigning national champion Wake Forest sits tied for 14th at 11 over, while South Carolina, a top regional seed, is 22nd at 17 over.
LSU’s resilience, despite Lindblad’s uncharacteristic round, showcases the depth and determination of the team as they aim to make a significant impact in the championship’s closing stages.