ORLANDO Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The No. 20 UCF women's golf team came out firing in the opening round of the UCF Challenge Sunday. The squad holds a three-shot lead over the field heading into round two.
The Black and Gold posted a -8 (280) while Wisconsin and Kentucky tied for second shooting -5 (283). Auburn was fourth with a -4 (284) while Iowa State and Mississippi state round out the top five turning in matching scores of -3 (285).
Senior Ashley Holder lead the way for the Knights, carding a -5 (67). After a bogey on the first hole, she was perfect the rest of the day notching six birdies and 11 pars. Fellow senior Ayaka Nakayama had five birdies of her own and also just one bogey to finish just behind Holder at -4 (68).
Freshman Maria Balcazar was -1 through 14 holes before finishing with an even-par 72 while newcomer Nicolette Donovan, a transfer from Virginia Tech, notched a +1 (73). Senior Johanna Larsson rounded out the Knights team scoring with a +4 (76).
Junior Kaeli Jones and sophomore transfer Anna Hack are each competing as individuals this week. Jones was -2 at the turn and held on to match Balcazar's even-par round and Hack finished the day with a +3 (75).
Monday's second round is scheduled for a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Follow the Knights via live scoring at golfstat.com