MIA PICCIO BIRDIES LAST TO SIT IN 2ND

Mia Piccio has played in the final group once before this season. It was at the Fuccillo Kia Classic of NY. She shot a 4-over, 75 that Sunday and finished in a tie for 12th. She hopes for better luck this time around after a 1-under, 71 on Saturday to stand in a tie for fourth.

“When you’re in the last group, you definitely get a little more tense,” said Piccio. “I just want to try and relax and take it one shot at a time. We’ll see what happens Sunday.”

Piccio has just one career top 10 finish on the Epson Tour.

On Saturday, she made two birdies on the front nine and was out to 7-under through 12 holes. She made bogeys on holes 13 and 16, but recovered with a birdie on the 18th.

“I was 150 yards out in the rough (on 18) and I wanted to hit a 140 shot with the wind into me,” explained Piccio. “I hit an 8-iron close and made the putt and it was a great way to end.”

DAMBAUGH BATTLES STOMACH BUG AND STILL POSTS 70

Katelyn Dambaugh (North Charleston, South Carolina) was clearly battling a stomach bug on the 18th green Saturday. She was leaning on her caddie and could be seen squatting and grimacing several times. She battled to the end with a par on 18 to post a 70 and moved up to tenth.

“My 70 should have been a lot better, I think I had to punch out of the woods four or five times,” said the rookie Dambaugh. “I putted really well. I had just one bogey and that is what I have been trying to do. I want to eliminate the bogeys.”

Her college teammate at South Carolina, Sarah Schmelzel, was just one back heading into the day. Schmelzel carded a 2-over, 74, but is still T11.

“When I got here yesterday and saw her on the leaderboard, I almost did a cartwheel,” said Dambaugh. “She has been playing really well and it was only a matter of time for her to peak through.”

When Dambaugh finished and did a quick interview, she walked over to the first tee and watched her friend tee off.

“I support her and root for her loud. If I don’t win, I want her to win,” said Dambaugh. “She is still my teammate and I want her to do amazing.”

Dambaugh is having a strong first half-season on Tour. She won the SEC Championship this year and then turned professional. In just six starts, she has already climbed to 38th on the money list and has a chance to move up even more .

“Of course I’m still pushing for a top 10, why not?,” asked Dambaugh. “If I get a win and a few more top 10’s it is very possible, but even if I get to third stage (of LPGA Qualifying Tournament) that would be great.”

OF NOTE

Six of the top 12 on the Volvik Race for the Card money list are inside the top 10 at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship.
There are six different countries (Thailand, USA, France, Philippines, Ecuador and China) represented in the top 10.
The Shipley sisters - Gabrielle (T118) and Sarah (137) - both missed the cut.

Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship Round 2 Notes and Interviews

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