Oct. 16, 2011
New Mexico started the first round of the Susie Berning Maxwell Classic like it might record one of the best scores in school history. Instead, it turned out to be its low score of the 2011-12 season. That’s okay, too.
Through 11 holes of the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club (par 72, 6,327 yards) in Norman, Okla., New Mexico was 8-under par and held a four-stroke lead over 25th-ranked Texas A&M. However, the Lobos dropped nine shots over the final seven holes to end the day in a tie for third with Texas Tech at 1-over 289. UNM came into the tournament with a season scoring average of 301.67.
Despite the struggles on the back, New Mexico trails leader Florida State (284) by just five shots heading into Monday’s second round. Texas A&M is second at 288.
“I loved the start,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “We lost a little focus on the back nine, but we are still in good position after the first round.”
Leading New Mexico is sophomore Sofia Hoglund, who fired a 2-under 70 (32-38). The winner of last month’s Branch Law Firm Dick McGuire Invitational in Albuquerque is two shots out of the lead and in a six-way tie for third place.
Texas Tech’s Kimberly Kaufman and Ket Preamchuen from Kennesaw State share the individual lead at 4-under 68.
Hoglund started on fire, going out in 32 after birdies at 3, 4, 5 and 8. She was atop the leaderboard at 5-under after a birdie 3 at the par-4 11th. However, Hoglund made double bogeys on 12 and 14. She did birdie 17.
Senior Rebecca Hellbom is also in contention after carding a season-best 71 (33-38). She posted five birdies between holes 3 and 11 to move to 4-under on the day, but fell back after a double bogey 6 on No. 14 and a bogey on 16.
Junior Beth Buchner was 2-under after eight holes, but played the final 10 holes in 4-over for a 74 (35-39). Sophomore Manon De Roey also shot 74 (38-36).
Sophomore Sammi Stevens, UNM’s top golfer – statistically – heading into the tournament with a 73.17 stroke average, got off to a slow start. She bogeyed three of the first four holes and finished with a 76 (38-38).
The Lobos begin second-round play Monday at 9:20 a.m. MDT.