April 9, 2012
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GILBERT, Ariz. — The University of Iowa women’s golf team shot a one-over 289 to pace the 24-team field after the first round of the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic in Gilbert, Ariz. The Hawkeyes 289 was the second-best 18-hole score in program history, falling four shy of the school-record 285 set at the Challenge at Onion Creek on Nov. 2-3, 2009.
“It was a solid first round,” said head coach Megan Menzel. “The players did a great job focusing on one shot at a time.”
UI junior Kristi Cardwell sits atop the individual leaderboard after she fired a career-best 68 (-4) during the opening round. Cardwell was one stroke off Brianna Coopman’s school record 18-hole score of 67. Cardwell’s previous low 18-hole score was a 69, set at the 2010 Challenge at Onion Creek. Cardwell’s round included an eagle on the par 4, 356 yard 10th. She was the only student-athlete out of 126 participants to eagle the hole. Cardwell also recorded back-to-back birdies on holes three and four. She enters Tuesday’s second round tied with Colorado State’s Brianna Espinoza.
“Kristi has been working really hard on all aspects of her game,” said Menzel. “It was nice to see it all come together today.”
Freshman Shelby Phillips carded a 73 (+1) while playing in her home state of Arizona. The Gilbert, Ariz., native shot back-to-back birdies on holes 12 and 13. Phillips enters Tuesday tied for ninth.
Fellow freshman Lauren English and sophomore Karly Grouwinkel both posted first round 74’s (+2) to tie for 14th. English carded a two-under 34 on the back nine en route to her 74. Grouwinkel competed in the Iowa lineup for the first time in her career. Her 74 set a career-best, as she had previously recorded an 84 twice.
Senior Chelsea Harris rounded out the Hawkeye scorecard with a 76 (+4). She finished the first round tied for 37th.
Colorado State (292, +4) and Sacramento State (294, +6) joined Iowa in the top three. Wyoming is hosting the 54-hole tournament at the 6,184 yard, par 72 Ocotillo Golf Resort.
The Hawkeyes continue play at the three-day Wyoming Girl Classic tomorrow. Iowa tees off at 8:30 (CT). Live scoring will be available on the women’s golf schedule page at hawkeyesports.com.
Team Results
1. Iowa – 289 (+1)
2. Colorado State – 292 (+4)
3. Sacramento State – 294 (+6)
Individual Results
T1. Kristi Cardwell (Iowa) – 68 (-4)
T1. Brianna Espinoza (Colorado State) – 68 (-4)
3. Brianna Rugeles (Wichita State) – 69 (-3)
T9. Shelby Phillips (Iowa) – 73 (+1)
T14. Lauren English (Iowa) – 74 (+2)
T14. Karly Grouwinkel (Iowa) – 74 (+2)
T37. Chelsea Harris (Iowa) – 76 (+4)