Host UCF leads UCF Women's Challenge after First Round
UCF senior Ashley Holder
(UCF Athletics Photo)
ORLANDO, FL (February 5, 2017) -- Host UCF is leading the way after one round at the UCF Women's Challenge hosted by Eagle Creek Golf Club. The Knights opened with an 8-under first round and they are the owners of a three-stroke lead over Wisconsin and Kentucky.
Leading the way for UCF thus far is Ashley Holder. The senior began her tournament with a 5-under 67 to sit in a tie for fourth and three shots off the medalist pace.
During her Sunday round Holder bogeyed No. 1 before settling in and playing flawless golf the rest of the way. Holder, a three-time All-AAC performer, carded her first birdie on the 4th with five other birdies coming on the 5th, 7th, 11th, 12th and 18th holes.
Also in the top-10 for the Knights is senior Ayaka Nakayama who opened with a 4-under 68. Nakayama will begin the second round in a tie for seventh.
In the individual race the pace is being set by Kentucky junior Isabelle Johansson who is currently 8-under and the leader by two-strokes. Johansson started her round of 64 on the 4th hole and promptly birdied three of her first four holes. The quick start set the stage for a seven birdie, one bogey and one eagle day. The eagle came on the par-5 13th and it capped a 7-under start through 10 holes.
Johansson is in search for her first outright collegiate title after sharing the top spot at the Minnesota Invitational during the fall portion of the 2016-2017 season.
Behind Johansson in the individual standings are Mississippi State's Chieh Jessica Peng and Miami's Renate Grimstad in a tie for second at 6-under with three others sharing fourth at 5-under.
Trailing UCF in the team standings it is Wisconsin and Kentucky at 5-under in second place, Auburn is 4-under in fourth while Iowa State and Mississippi State are sharing fifth at 3-under.
ABOUT THE UCF Challenge
54-hole stroke play event hosted by the
University of Central Florida women's golf team. Team
(best four scores of five players) and individual
competitions.
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