TUCSON, Ariz. -- Through the first day of the Wildcat Invitational, freshman Linnea Strom and the Arizona State women's golf team sit in first place both individually and as a team.
While the crowded pack around them roller-coastered up and down the leaderboard, the No. 14 Sun Devils held strong in second until the final five holes of the 36-hole day at Sewailo Golf Club.
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"We really played some great golf today as a team," said head coach Missy Farr-Kaye. "We had a few hiccups early, but everyone rallied and bounced back. It was a really tough second round as the wind picked up here, but we finished strong. We still have the final round to go tomorrow to finish it off."
Strom put together a nine-under 135 (67-68) on the 6,492-yard, par-72 course, with her first round breaking her career low. She totaled 10 birdies, an eagle and just three bogeys.
"Linnea played beautifully today," said Farr-Kaye. "It's amazing to watch her emotional composure and how she handles herself on the golf course. She played nearly flawless golf."
Entering the final round, the Sweden-native holds a three-shot lead over Miami's Daniela Darquea, who is ranked No. 18 in the country by Golfstat.com.
Her teammate and junior Monica Vaughn -- ranked No. 10 -- also compiled an under par first day, shooting a one-under 143 (71-72). She remains in ninth place entering Tuesday's final round.
The Devils tee off on Tuesday at 8 a.m. and you can follow at Birdiefire.com.