LAKELAND, Fla. — The Barry Buccaneers survived a scare on Tuesday to advance to the NCAA Division II National Championships at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla., with a third-place finish in the South/Southeast Super Region 2 Tournament at Lone Palm Golf Club. The Bucs shot a final round 301 to finish behind only tournament winner Lynn and defending national champ Nova Southeastern.
Heading into the final day in third place, the Bucs had moved into a tie for second place heading down the home stretch in the final round. Barry held on, becoming one of three teams from the regional to qualify for the National Championships May 15-18.
It marks the second straight year the Buccaneers qualified for the championships.
“We’re proud of them. It was really windy all week, and we really fought through it well,” head coach Shannon Sykora said. “We realize now that we can compete with the best teams in the country, and we’re pumped to get a chance to go back to the national championship.”
Barry finished the tournament with a 312-294-301 — 907 (+43) score. Their second-round 294 was the low of the tournament for the entire nine-team field over the three rounds. Lynn captured the title, shooting 305-298-297 — 900 (+36), while Nova Southeastern ended up second at 298-306-300 — 904 (+40).
Nicky Ferre continued to lead the Bucs. She finished third individually with a three-round score of 76-72-75 — 223 (+7). Maria Paola Fiorio, who got better each day, finished tied for 13th at 81-74-73 — 228. Nancy Vergara also had her best round on the last day, finishing tied for 19th at 77-80-74 — 231. Taylor Babcock completed the Buccaneer entry, tied for 23rd, after shooting 78-76-79 — 233.
Annie Dulman of Rollins took the individual medal. She shot 74-73-70 — 217. She will advance to the nationals site, along with Teresa Hernani of Lander, who finished sixth after shooting 77-73-75 — 225. The final individual to qualify was Kristen Sammarco of Armstrong Atlantic, who survived a two-hole, three-way playoff.
Barry will be making its third appearance in school history in the NCAA Championships.