Women's golf shy of lead at Wildcat Invite

February 23, 2009

The top-ranked Arizona State women's golf team gained four strokes on UCLA's lead as they finished day two of the Wildcat Invitational held at the par 72 6,146-yard, Peninsula Golf Club in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. The Sun Devils compiled a 9-over 585 (295-290) to finish three shots behind leader UCLA, 6-over 582 (287-295).<separator></separator>"We moved within three shots of UCLA which sets up for an exciting day of competition tomorrow," said seventh year head coach <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-golf/mtt/luellen_melissa00.html">… Luellen</a>. "It will be a different coming from behind which is great for our new players to experience; a different pressure."<separator></separator>Freshman <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-golf/mtt/ciganda_carlota00.html">… Ciganda</a> led the Sun Devils during round two. The Spaniard carded a 3-under 69 to storm up to third. Going into the final round, Ciganda is tied for third at 1-under 143 (74-69) and is one shot off the leader. Her score marks a new round low in her collegiate career.<separator></separator>Junior <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-golf/mtt/murcia_juliana00.html">J… Murcia</a> now shares the lead with California's Pia Halbig. The Colombian native posted a 3-over 75 during round two. Murcia will enter the final round holding a one-stroke lead at 2-under 142 (67-75).<separator></separator>Shooting a 1-under 71 in the second round, senior <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-golf/mtt/osborn_jennifer00.html">… Osborn</a> entered the top 10. Currently standing tied for 10th, Osborn has carded a 2-over 146 (75-71) over the two days.<separator></separator>"It was great to see some under par scores from Jen and Carlota today," said Luellen. "Juliana and Carlota will have a great chance to win. We are wishing for Sun Devils on top!"<separator></separator>Jaclyn Sweeney, who has spent much of her time in Mexico ill, is currently tied for 41st after shooting a 10-over 154 (79-75). Freshman <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-golf/mtt/molinaro_giulia00.html">… Molinaro</a> will enter the final round at 14-over 158 (81-77). Playing as an individual, <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/w-golf/mtt/kelo_liisa00.html">Liisa Kelo</a> shot a 18-over 162 (79-83).