After a strong first round, Kent State women golfers sat in second place in the Florida State Match-Up, just two strokes behind Florida State.

The Flashes finished the 14-team tournament in second, but their scores got worse through the weekend. 

Kent State finished 37 strokes behind Florida State with a score of 28-over-par 892. 

“The first round really showed our potential, but we’ve got to keep following it up with good second and third rounds,” coach Lisa Strom said. “For some reason, we’re struggling to continue the momentum we get going. Finishing strong has always been a big part of this program, so it’s a little bit frustrating.”

The Flashes started off with a four-under-par 284, but their scores soared to 300 in the  second round and 308 in the third. 

“It’s weird to see us shooting 308,” Strom said “For us, it’s just not not where we are talent wise.”

Emily Price finished sixth with a score of five-over-par 221. Valentina Albertazzi had a score of seven-above-par 223 score, finishing in 12th.

“For Emily, finishing the top 10 is a great event,” Strom said. “She had decent ball-striking and short-game skills, but it was a very challenging golf course.”

The course was newly renovated and had only been open since last March. 

“It’s known for deep bunkers, undulating greens and big slopes,” Strom said. “The property itself is rolling hills. So factoring that in when you’re hitting tee shots can be difficult.”

Kent State had been in Florida for a week, starting with a match-up against Michigan State Feb. 22-23.

Strom is focused on getting the players back in the gym and focusing on being conditioned. 

“That’ll be a big focus with really getting back in there, getting a couple good conditioning sessions in and getting our legs under us again,” Strom said. 

Pilar is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].