March 30, 2007
Tempe, Ariz. -
The second-ranked Arizona State women's golf is in first place after the first round of the 2007 PING/ASU Invitational. ASU shot a 3-under 285 at the par-72, 6,230-yard ASU Karsten Golf Course. The Sun Devils have a five-stroke lead over second place teams Oklahoma State and Pepperdine (290).
"I am very pleased with our start to the tournament," said Head Coach Melissa Luellen. "The girls were nervous this morning. They were at home and they wanted to play well in front of their friends and fans and family."
Freshman Anna Nordqvist leads the Sun Devils after shooting a 3-under 69 to tie for second place.
"Anna made a nice 35-footer [putt] on [hole] 18 at the end of the day," said Luellen. "It was thrilling and exciting. It really set the tone for the day."
Sophomore All-American Jennifer Osborn shot a 2-under 70 to tie for fourth place. Freshman Juliana Murcia shot an even-par 72 to tie for 10th place. Sophomore All-American Azahara Munoz is tied for 21st after shooting a 2-over 74. Senior Lindsay Anderson shot a 5-over 77 to tie for 50th.
In addition to the line-up, Arizona State had four golfers playing as individuals. Junior Camila Sola is tied for 32nd after shooting a 3-over 75. Senior Charmaine Erasmus for a 5-over 77 to tie for 50th. Redshirt freshman Liisa Kelo and Junior Brooke Todare both shot an 8-over 80 to tie for 74th.
"It is a little more difficult to play at home because there are distractions that we don't' encounter on the road," said Luellen. "I tip my hat to them, that they started strong. We have to keep grinding and try to increase our lead."
The second round of the PING/ASU Invitational continues tomorrow.
Live scoring is available at www.golfstat.com.