ATHENS, Ga. (March 24, 2007) -- After a tough first round outing that saw the Georgia State women's golf team post its highest team score of the season with a 331, the Panthers came out determined to improve in the second round of the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic.

State's efforts paid off with a 19-stroke improvement ending the day with a 312 second round team total. The Panthers enter the final round in 18th-place. Sixth-ranked Auburn held on to the top spot after round two.

"It was pretty devastating to post those high numbers in the first round," said head coach Cathy Mant. "But I am really proud of this team. We have been the last team to leave the practice range these past two days. These players are working hard to improve."

The extra practice paid off in the second round, in which freshman Nicole Loesch lead the way by firing a new career-low score with a 74. Loesch improved by 12-strokes and moved 22-spots up the leader board into a tie for 70th-place. Junior Joanna Klatten matched her score in the first round posting another 76. Klatten sits tied for 33rd-place.

Freshman Cathrine Madsen turned in a five-stroke turnaround with a 77 for her second round. Madsen is tied for 66th-place. Senior Pamela Torres also improved by five-strokes with an 85 and is in 93rd-place. Sophomore Karin Dedering finished with a 90 and is in 95th-place.

State also brought extra support for the second round with junior Anna Scott, sophomore Claire Starkie and freshman Sandra Maier making the trip to cheer on their teammates.

"I was touched and excited to see the other three members of the golf team make it out to cheer on their teammates," Mant said.

The final round of Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start on Sunday at the University of Georgia Golf Course. Panther fans are encouraged to come out and support the team in the final round on Sunday. Golf Stat will provide live scoring of the final round.

Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic
University of Georgia Golf Course
6,260 yards, par 71