Oct. 24, 2008

AUBURN, Ala. – Despite inclement weather, freshman Ashlee Rose posted a two-over-par 74 – good for a tie for 13th place – to lead the Kentucky women’s golf team in the first round of the Derby Invitational, on Friday at the Auburn University Club at Yarbrough Farms.

“Ashlee Rose played a very solid round in tough, rainy and cold conditions,” head coach Myra Blackwelder said. “Her play was a very bright spot in an otherwise disappointing day. We will focus on the fact that we are not that many shots out of the top ten, and get ready to play again tomorrow.”

The Wildcats finished the round in 15th place, carding a 315, a mere five strokes out of the top-10. The team fell only one stroke behind No. 13 LSU and outplayed No. 32 UT Chattanooga and Coastal Carolina. Sitting in first place after the first round, with a one-over-par 289, was eighth-ranked Virginia.

Senior Mallory Blackwelder joined Rose as Wildcats breaking 80 in the round, shooting a six-over-par 78, tying her for 38th place. Junior Kristin Vincent and freshman Alyssa Randolph were not far behind, carding an 81 (+9) and 82 (+10) respectively. Junior Erica Still finished with a 14-over-par 86.

Tee time on Saturday will begin at 8 a.m. ET off the Nos. 1 & 10 tees. Live scoring is available on www.auburntigers.com or www.golfstat.com.

Wildcat Scores

T13-Ashlee Rose (74 +2)
T38-Mallory Blackwelder (78 +6)
T60-Kristin Vincent (81 +9)
T70-Alyssa Randolph (82 +10)
T87-Erica Still (86 +14)