The Gustavus women’s golf team shot a 338 (+50) on day one of the O’Brien National Invitational, ending the day in eighth place out of 10 teams competing. Annie Jackson was the top Gustavus golfer of the day, shooting a 42-41-83 (+11) and finishing in a four-way tie for 24th.
Centre College and Methodist shot the top scores of the day, knocking out a 315 (+27) and sitting in a tie for first place. DePauw finished with a 317 (+29) in third place.
Kayleigh Dittes had the only other Gustavus finish in the top-30, shooting a 44-40-84 (+12) to complete day one in 28th. Taylor Drenttel sits in 32nd (44-41-85), Sam Falk finished in 37th (45-41-86), and Liz Strom is in 43rd (43-44-87) to round out the Gustavus squad.
“We need to minimize mistakes. We made way too many today and that led to big numbers,” commented Head Coach Scott Moe at the conclusion of day one. “We need to focus on posting a good score tomorrow and battling every shot.”
Five different golfers from four schools are currently tied for the lead after firing a 76 (+4). The leaders include Kelsie Carralero and Jennifer Sullivan of Methodist, Kelsey Morrison of George Fox, Whitney Miller of Centre, and Sarah Vorder Bruegge of Allegheny.
The 2011 O’Brien Invitational features a crop of the top teams in the nation according to the NGCA pre-season rankings, including #1 Methodist, #2 DePauw, #3 Gustavus Adolphus, #5 Saint Mary’s, #6 Wisconsin-Eau Claire, #7 Washington University in St. Louis, #8 Centre, #9 Allegheny, and #11 George Fox.
The final day of the tournament will begin tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. The O’Brien National Invite is being held at the Warren Golf Course on the campus of the University or Notre Dame.