Open Announce

Lertsadwattana and Lehigh Open Strong at Ron Moore Intercollegiate

by Steve Kirkland

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – The New Mexico women’s golf team opened play Friday at the Ron Moore Intercollegiate with the first round of play at the Highlands Ranch Golf Club. The Lobos, led by Jenny Lertsadwattana and Lauren Lehigh, shot 4-under during the first round to finish the opening day in second place.

Vanderbilt is the 18-hole leader at 8-under, four shots ahead of the Lobos. Host Denver is in third at even par, while Colorado State and Xavier are tied for fourth at 2-over.

Lertsadwattana is the individual leader at 7-under after shooting a first round 65, the lowest round of her collegiate career. Her round also tied the lowest round in the tournament’s history. Lehigh also had her career-best round with a 5-under 67 and is in second place on the individual leaderboard. Myah McDonald shot 75, Annie Saechueng shot 77 and Maria Caparros Levin shot 80 to round out the UNM lineup.

“Jenny and Lauren played really great golf today, especially in these cold conditions,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “They made a lot of birdies, had very few mistakes and were mentally steady. We need to get better in our four and five positions to have a good shot of winning this event. We have two more rounds to play and anything can happen.”

The Ron Moore Intercollegiate will continue Saturday and conclude Sunday at the Highlands Ranch Golf Club.