May 19, 2009
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF senior Stephanie Connelly (Pasadena, Md.) had a strong opening round at the NCAA Championship at the Caves Valley Golf Club Tuesday and is tied for third at even-par 72. Connelly is competing as an individual at the four-round event.
She began the championship by posting a 2-over 38 on the front nine. Thanks to three birdies, she recovered and registered a 2-under 34 on the back nine. The Maryland native now has six par or better rounds this year.
Catherine O'Donnell of North Carolina and Stephanie Sherlock of Denver are tied for first, two shots ahead of Connelly at 2-under 70. Tennessee's Ginny Brown is tied with Connelly. Five players are one shot behind Connelly and Brown.
On Wednesday, Connelly will tee off at 8:20 a.m. For the second-straight day, she will be paired with Kendall Dye of Oklahoma and Alice Kim of UC-Davis.
Connelly qualified for the championship on May 9 when she placed second at the NCAA East Regional in Gainesville. She shot a career low 68 in the third round to finish at even-par 210.
Georgetown is hosting the championship, which consists of 24 teams and six individuals. In total, 126 golfers are in action at the tournament.
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