Play Begins at NCAA Albuquerque Regional

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Play began Monday at the NCAA Albuquerque Women’s Golf Regional with first round action at the UNM Championship Course. New Mexico juniors Jenny Lertsadwattana and Lauren Lehigh are competing as individuals among the field of 65 players.

Lertsadwattana shot a 1-over 73 during the first round to be tied for 17th place after 18 holes. Lehigh shot a 2-over 74 and is tied for 21st place.

“Both of them were spot-on with their distance control but just missed with some wedge shots,” said UNM head coach Jill Trujillo. “Their bogeys came from poor wedge shots and that probably cost each of them about three shots. There were a few nerves over the first few holes, but that shouldn’t be a problem tomorrow. They did a good job with the wind today and put themselves in good position heading into the second round to move up.”

Second-ranked Oregon leads the 12-team field at 4-under, followed by Texas at 1-under, Florida at even par and TCU and Georgia tied for fourth at 4-over. The top four teams after the three rounds will advance to the NCAA Championships, as will the top two individuals (not on advancing teams).

Oregon’s Briana Chacon is the individual leader at 7-under, shooting a first-round 65, the lowest round ever at a NCAA Regional/Championship at the UNM Championship Course.

The second round of the NCAA Albuquerque Regional is Tuesday and the final round is Wednesday. Play begins each day at 8:00 a.m. and admission to the event is free.