Struggles continue for Gators on second day of tourney

The Florida women’s golf team’s frustrations persisted Tuesday during the second round of the Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge.

After intermittent rain showers and steady winds made play difficult Monday, the Gators failed to take advantage of Tuesday’s calmer weather and improved scoring conditions.

The problem for UF, however, is that the rest of the field did.

The Gators’ 20-over-par team score, one stroke better than their first-round total, dropped them to eighth in the 13-team field.

Florida’s woes cannot be pinned on Mia Piccio, whose 1-over-par 72 moved her into a tie for seventh as an individual.

Coach Jan Dowling praised the sophomore for her resilience after responding to a rough 3-over-par start on her first three holes.

“The first four holes of this course are very difficult — everybody struggles on them — but Mia has been the best at responding after tough starts,” Dowling said.

Another bright spot for the Gators was Andrea Watts, who rebounded from an 8-over-par opening round to shoot a 4-over 75 on Tuesday.

One of the more mystifying aspects of Florida’s struggles so far in the tournament has been the play of senior team captain Jessica Yadloczky. After an inconsistent 5-over-par 76 first-round result, Yadloczky shot a 9-over-par 80 in the second round to find herself tied for 43rd.

Dowling remains confident in Yadloczky despite her early struggles. She said the root of the senior’s problems has been related to a lack of accuracy off the tee, but she is closer to returning to her normal level of play than the scores reflect.

Yadloczky was not the only Gator who had a difficult second round. Evan Jensen shot a 7-over-par 78, and Isabelle Lendl turned in an 8-over-par 79.

Dowling remains happy with the mindset of her team, saying UF still has the confidence to mount a late climb up the leaderboard during Wednesday’s final round.

“If a few breaks go our way,” Dowling said, “things will be very different tomorrow.”