The Fairfield University women’s golf team finished in 11th place at the Tina Barrett Longwood Invite in Farmville, Va., shooting a two-day 696 in rainy conditions.  The event was played at the 6,108-yard, par-72 Manor Resort Golf Club.

The Stags improved their team score by 10 strokes in the second round, the second best improvement of any team from round one to round two. Fairfield shot 353 in the first round and 343 on Tuesday, as the event was shortened from 54 holes due to rain.

Courtney Richardson and Kristen MacDonald were the Stags top finishers, tying for 34th place with two-day 170 totals.  Richardson was in 47th place after shooting a first round 88, but was six strokes better on Tuesday, to card an 82.  MacDonald shaved four strokes off of her first round total, shooting an 83 on Tuesday, to move up 10 spots.

Alicia Esposito was the Stags next finisher, shooting 86 on the second day, for a two-day total of 173, good for 42nd place. Christiana DeStefano shot a second-round 91, to finish in a tie for 62nd place, with a two-day score of 183.  Annie Sperandio carded a two-day 189 (92-97), good for a 70th place finish.

Ball State University won the team event, with a two-day tournament record of 622, including an 18-hole record, 308 in the first round.  Ball State’s Brittany Kelly won the individual crown on the first play-off hole, with a two-day 152.

The Stags will play twice later this month in the state of Connecticut as they continue to prepare for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship.  The Stags will play at the Hartford Invitational April 13-15, and the Central Connecticut Invitational April 18-20, before heading to Orlando, Fla., for the conference championship, April 24-27.