Coming into the Pac-10 Women’s Golf Championships ranked
No. 2 in the nation, the Bruins knew they would have high
expectations to live up to.
After day one of the three-day tournament, the team has met
these expectations, but barely.
At the Saticoy Country Club in Somis, the Bruins shot a 308,
20-over par, to narrowly lead Washington by one stroke on
Monday.
In what should make for an exciting couple of days, there are
five teams that are within four strokes of UCLA.
Despite the stiff competition put forth by other teams, the
Bruins’ main opponent was the wind. It, along with the fast
scores contributed to the high scores that plagued players all
day.
UCLA coach Carrie Forsyth noted that changes would be made today
to better combat the windy conditions.
“We will shoot a few more punch shots if it’s windy
(and) pick some different club choices,” said Forsyth.
The Bruins were led by junior Charlotte Mayorkas, who is
currently in third place after shooting a 2-over par 74.
Freshman Hannah Jun, who contributed a solid round with a 3-over
par, is tied for sixth place.
Arizona sophomore Erica Blasberg leads the field after shooting
a 1-under par 71.
Both Mayorkas and senior Krystal Shearer nearly made
holes-in-one on the par-3, 150-yard ninth hole. Mayorkas missed by
a mere three feet and tapped in for a birdie, while Shearer had to
settle for a par.
Forsyth was pleased with the team’s effort but realized
that, in order to remain on top, the team will have to make a
stronger showing on the back nine.
“We didn’t play great,” she said. “We
gave away a lot of shots at the end of the round. We can’t do
that (today).”
In other Bruin scores, Shearer is tied for 20th place after
scoring a 7-over par 79 and sophomore Susie Mathews and senior Gina
Umeck are tied for 25th place with an 80.
Senior Bridget Dwyer, playing as an individual, shot a 6-over
par score of 78.
The Bruins hope to pick up where they left off Monday when play
resumes today. The first Bruin to tee off will be Dwyer, who starts
at 9:24 a.m.
The third and final round will be played on Wednesday.