Hayes records another career low at Bridgeport

One of the first things Tabetha Hayes thought to say after her third career-low round in her last four matches was "I kind of want to go to sleep now."

Despite a restless night and waking up with a sore throat due to allergies Hayes, a junior, fired a front-nine 51 on her way to a 110 at Courthouse and Jail Rock Golf Course in Bridgeport.

Storm freshman Maddy Johnson followed her teammate with the best round of her young career with 126. Her round included 63s on both nines.

For Hayes, her round ended a little bittersweet. She missed out a medal by a single stroke to finish 11th. Nevertheless, her front nine score was several strokes better than she has previously carded in competition.

"If she can just shoot that 51 on both nines now," said Storm Head Coach Cyd Hanson. "She's capable of it."

As the Bridgeport course in a nine-hole layout, the players went around the track twice. Hayes drove the ball well throughout the day and putted well. Her first time on the fourth hole, however, she struggled to a nine.

"I really need to work on my chipping. That really cost me today," Hayes said. "On the fourth hole I just wanted to throw my chipping club into the water."

Before the chipping club came out, Hayes had a consistent day. Her second time at the par-3 first hole she hit her hybrid club on the button. It rolled past the cup to rest just inches off the back of the green. Her chip on cost her a chance at a par. Nevertheless, she had two solid fours on the first hole.

"I've been working on hitting the ball down the middle," Hayes said. "That's been getting better so now I'll go to work on the chipping."

As for Johsnon she credits her drives for her improved performance. Like Hayes, she accuses her short game of costing her strokes too.

"My putting was pretty good today, but my short-distance shots need imorovement," Johnson said.

The Storm travel to Hershey on Tuesday for its next meet. Tee time in the shotgun start is scheduled for 9 a.m.