April 3, 2009
The Arizona State women's golf team is one shot off the lead after round one of the 37th PING/ASU Invitational. Held at the par 72, 6,230-yard Karsten Golf Course, the Sun Devils have won their home tournament 24 times. The Sun Devils, who started the day on the back nine, shot a 6-over 294 to finish one shot off leader Purdue. USC's Jennifer Song and New Mexico's Jodi Ewart are currently in first at 2-under 70.
"I thought we started out well, played really solid on the back nine and took advantage of the conditions," said seventh year head coach Melissa Luellen. "The front nine is the scoring nine and we didn't score so well. This group really hasn't put it together yet. We're not far from it, but we just have to keep trying to find the magic combination on how to get it done."
Juliana Murcia and Carlota Ciganda led the Sun Devils to finish the day tied for eighth. Both finished the day at 1-over 73. Ciganda started the day with three birdies on the back nine but struggled in the second half of the day. Murcia recorded four birdies on the day.
Jaclyn Sweeney and Jennifer Osborn finished the day tied for 20th. Both shot 2-over 74 on the day. Giulia Molinaro carded a 5-over 77. Playing as an individual, Liisa Kelo shot a 7-over 79.
"This group really hasn't put it together yet," continued Luellen. "We're not far from it, but we just have to keep trying to find the magic combination on how to get it done."
The Sun Devils tee off tomorrow on the first hole at 9:20. They are paired with leader Purdue and top-ranked UCLA.
"Tomorrow is a really key day," said Luellen. "If we can come in on a positive note that will really help us a lot for the last day. We have to play good tomorrow."