Bulls Ninth After Day One at UCF Challenge
February 13, 2011 | Women's Golf
The University of South Florida women's golf team posted a five-over 293 on Sunday to finish the first round in ninth at the UCF Challenge, played at the par-72, 6,319-yard RedTail Golf Club outside Orlando. USF trails leader Tulane by just 10 strokes after 18 holes.
The Bulls finished their round with 11 birdies on the front nine holes after starting the round on the tenth hole. Senior Emily Van Etten was the low scorer, carding an even-par 72 that included four birdies in her last nine holes and a chip-in birdie on the ninth.
“I'm proud of the girls after today,” USF head coach Marci Kornegay said. “We've worked hard on some of the little things like pre-shot routines, building trust and keeping confidence, and it is starting to pay off for us. We fought all the way into the clubhouse today, and that was great to see.”
Van Etten is six strokes off the individual lead and tied for 14th after round one, but she's not interested in taking any credit for the day's events.
“It was a special moment for me to make that shot with my teammates there to support me,” she said. “I'm proud of everyone for their play and for sticking with our game plan. We should be in good shape for the remaining rounds if we maintain our focus.”
Ana Lopez and Shena Yang were just a stroke off Van Etten, each posting a 1-over 73. Yang rebounded nicely from four bogeys in her first nine holes to post three birdies after the turn.
Kelli Pry and Karli Heimbecker will split the last round for the team score as both carded a 3-over 75.
The Bulls tee off at 8:30 a.m. ET on Monday alongside Ole Miss and Kennesaw State.
