CCU

Chants Headed To Daytona Beach For NCAA East Regional

       

Coastal is making its third straight trip to the NCAA East Regional.

Coastal is making its third straight trip to the NCAA East Regional.

April 26, 2011

2011 NCAA Regional Complete Field

CONWAY, S.C. – The Coastal Carolina women’s golf team earned its third consecutive NCAA Regional bid on Monday, as the Chanticleers were selected to the NCAA East Regional in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The East Regional, hosted by Stetson University, will be played at the LPGA International Golf Course May 5-7. 

“I am really proud of the girls and their commitment this season,” Coastal Carolina head coach Katie Quinney said.  “Going to Regionals for the third year in a row has been a goal of ours and now we need to put all our efforts towards advancing to the National Championship.”

This marks the fourth NCAA Regional appearance for the Chanticleers, who also earned a bid in 2005 prior to this string of three straight.  It was also be the fourth time Coastal has competed at the NCAA East Regional. 

“Daytona is by far the most familiar of the three regional sites because most of our girls have competed on the course before,” Quinney said.  “Kaitlin (Higginbotham) played two Junior College National Championships there. It should also offer us the most familiar practice and competition conditions that we have had throughout the majority of the season.”

The NCAA East Regional field will feature some of the toughest competition of all the three sites, which includes top-seeded Alabama and last year’s NCAA Champion, Purdue. 

“The field seems to be the strongest of the three sites, but we have competed well against the majority of the teams,” Quinney added.  “We are the 17th seed, but I believe our ability and potential at LPGA International gives us a great chance for enough upsets to advance.”

A total of 24 teams (eight from each regional) and six individuals (two from each regional) will advance to the finals.  The championship finals will be held May 16-21 at the Traditions Club in College Station, Texas and will be hosted by the Texas A&M University.

“I believe that if we stay focused and relaxed, our best games will come through,” Quinney said.  “This team has shown more than enough capabilities on very difficult golf courses with tough fields to know they have the talent to finish in the top eight.”