September 27, 2008

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA . . . Central College’s Sarah Paulson stormed to the lead in the medalist race and defending champion Wartburg built on its team lead following the second round of play at the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Women’s Golf Championship. Paulson fired a conference-tournament record 71 for a 36-hole total of 147 and leads defending medalist Steph Burns of Wartburg (75-81—156) by nine strokes.

Wartburg holds the 36-hole lead after posting a team total of 315-319—634. Central is second, 14 shots back at 325-323—648. Luther (333-331—664) is third followed by Simpson (336-349—685) and Coe (348-349—697). Loras (367-353—720), Buena Vista (379-377—756), Cornell (389-387—776), and Dubuque (433-412—845) round out the field.

Individually, Luther’s Amy Ekland sits third, one stroke behind Burns at 157, after firing a 76 Saturday. Central’s Eva Downes and Simpson’s Katie Vaux are tied for fourth at 158, followed by Wartburg’s Kate Thompson at 162. A trio of golfers – Wartburg’s Daina Deery and Paige Klostermann and Simpson’s Taylor Hillery – are tied for seventh at 163. Central’s Abby Lukensmeyer rounds out the top-10 at 166.

With her round of 71, Paulson broke the Championship 18-hole scoring record of 72 previously held by Derry and Wartburg's Andrea Schiltz (twice). Paulson also equaled Schiltz's 36-hole midway tournament record of 147 set in 2006, also at Pheasant Ridge.

The IIAC Championship continues Friday-Saturday, Oct. 3-4 at A.H. Blank Golf Course in Des Moines. Tee times begin at 10:00 a.m. with players from Buena Vista, Cornell and Dubuque. Loras, Coe, and Simpson golfers will be paired together followed by players from Wartburg, Luther and Central. Saturday’s tee times will be set using the 54-hole individual leaderboard.

Complete 36-hole results can be found here.

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