GOLD CANYON, Ariz. – The Sun Devil Women's Golf team started the 2021 season on the right foot, proving to be the best team after day one at the Match in the Desert.
Battling through inclement weather which included a rare Arizona hail storm, Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye's team was not phased, firing a 278 (-10) to jump out to a five-stroke lead.
"What a great way to start off our season," Coach Farr-Kaye exclaimed. "Great play from all 5 players. The team handled the difficult weather conditions very well. Hopefully we will be able to complete tomorrow's round."
For Alexandra Forsterling, the 68 represented a career-low and was her fifth-career round in the 60s. She played bogey-free golf, recording three of her four birdies on par three opportunities. A strong back nine effort pushed her in the lead, as she finished three-under over the final nine holes.
Preseason Pac-12 Golfer of the Year Linn Grant registered her sixth career round in the 60s, showcasing the skill that made her an All-American as a freshman last season. She sits in a tie for second after improving her score from last season by seven strokes on this same course. Grant has carded a round in the 60s in four of her nine career appearances in the Maroon & Gold. Grant finished with five birdies, three of which came on par-four holes.
Alessandra Fanali was sharp yet again, finishing under par for the fifth time in her past seven rounds dating back to last season. The reigning event champion knows how to play this golf course, scoring a 138 (-6) over the past two seasons.
Olivia Mehaffey recorded her 66th career round under par, which is one of the Top-20 totals in NCAA history. Amanda Linner's 72 matched her career-low round, which came in the second round of the final tournament of last season.
UP NEXT
The second round of the Match in the Desert will take place tomorrow with teams teeing-off starting at 10 am MST. Arizona State will begin their rounds at 10:20 and 10:30 am MST, looking to clinch their fifth consecutive title in this event.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Updates will be provided throughout the day tomorrow on our social media platforms, so make sure to follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf) and like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/). Scoring for the tournament can be tracked here.
Battling through inclement weather which included a rare Arizona hail storm, Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye's team was not phased, firing a 278 (-10) to jump out to a five-stroke lead.
"What a great way to start off our season," Coach Farr-Kaye exclaimed. "Great play from all 5 players. The team handled the difficult weather conditions very well. Hopefully we will be able to complete tomorrow's round."
The first round at the Match in the Desert was delayed by an hour as the tournament officials waited for the storm to clear. Once the action started, the Sun Devils depth was on full display, with all five golfers finishing even or lower. Despite representing the "Sun" Devils, ASU showed they could play through a little rain, handling the conditions admirably.That escalated quickly... ??????? pic.twitter.com/SmVt5fiyrT
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) January 24, 2021
Arizona State was paced by the performance of Alexandra Forsterling, who got her junior season off to an incredible start. She was the top individual performer, carding the only 68 (-4) of the day which gives her a one stroke lead. The lead is over teammate Linn Grant, who picked up right where she left off last season by shooting 69 (-3). Alessandra Fanali (-2/70) and Olivia Mehaffey (-1/71) joined their teammates under par. Amanda Linner also finds herself firmly in contention after round one thanks to a 72 (E).Sun Devils are off to a great start at the Match in the Desert! ?? pic.twitter.com/MJ5cft8DVd
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) January 24, 2021
| 1 | Alexandra Forsterling | -4 | 68 |
| T2 | Linn Grant | -3 | 69 |
| T2 | Camille Enright | -3 | 69 |
| T4 | Alessandra Fanali | -2 | 70 |
| T4 | Annabel Wilson | -2 | 70 |
| T4 | Emilie Paltrinieri | -2 | 70 |
| T4 | Emma Spitz | -2 | 70 |
| T8 | Olivia Mehaffey | -1 | 71 |
| T8 | Anna Zanusso | -1 | 71 |
| T10 | Amanda Linner | E | 72 |
| T10 | Katarina Drocarova | E | 72 |
For Alexandra Forsterling, the 68 represented a career-low and was her fifth-career round in the 60s. She played bogey-free golf, recording three of her four birdies on par three opportunities. A strong back nine effort pushed her in the lead, as she finished three-under over the final nine holes.
Preseason Pac-12 Golfer of the Year Linn Grant registered her sixth career round in the 60s, showcasing the skill that made her an All-American as a freshman last season. She sits in a tie for second after improving her score from last season by seven strokes on this same course. Grant has carded a round in the 60s in four of her nine career appearances in the Maroon & Gold. Grant finished with five birdies, three of which came on par-four holes.
Alessandra Fanali was sharp yet again, finishing under par for the fifth time in her past seven rounds dating back to last season. The reigning event champion knows how to play this golf course, scoring a 138 (-6) over the past two seasons.
Olivia Mehaffey recorded her 66th career round under par, which is one of the Top-20 totals in NCAA history. Amanda Linner's 72 matched her career-low round, which came in the second round of the final tournament of last season.
UP NEXT
The second round of the Match in the Desert will take place tomorrow with teams teeing-off starting at 10 am MST. Arizona State will begin their rounds at 10:20 and 10:30 am MST, looking to clinch their fifth consecutive title in this event.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Updates will be provided throughout the day tomorrow on our social media platforms, so make sure to follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf) and like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/). Scoring for the tournament can be tracked here.