May 20, 2008

SAN MARCOS, Calif. --- Tournament-host Cal State San Marcos shot an opening-round 311 Tuesday to open a five-stroke lead at the 2008 NAIA Women's Golf National Championships at the Lake San Marcos Country Club.

 

Only 11 strokes separate the first seven teams, while 19 strokes separate the first 14 teams.

 

The Cougars were one of the first teams off the tee, jumped out to an early lead and were never caught. Natalie Todd led the Cougars with a three-over 75. She hit par on 14 of the 18 holes and birdied the tenth hole. Three of the Cougars' four scores were 80 or better. Carly Ludwig and Adriana Bormann each tallied a 78 while Ellyse Siu carded an 80.

Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) is second after shooting a 316. British Columbia and three-time defending champion Oklahoma City are tied for third with 318, while Embry-Riddle (Fla.) rounds out the top five with a 320.

 

Katina Ruest of Savannah College of Art & Design (Ga.) is the individual leader after she shot a one-over 73. Rachel Warren of Rocky Mountain (Mont.) is second with a 74.

 

The 72-hole tournament runs through Friday, May 23.

For complete information on the tournament, click here.