Nov. 3, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas – In a record-breaking performance, the Kentucky women’s golf team finished the Challenge at Onion Creek in 11th place with an 873 (291-296-284) Tuesday at Onion Creek Country Club’s North Course (par 70, 5,938 yards).
On the final day of competition, the squad shattered Kentucky’s low-round record with a 284. The record was previously set by head coach Myra Blackwelder’s 2007-08 team, when they shot a 290 in the first round of the Mason Rudolph Championship.
Senior Kristin Vincent set the school’s individual low-round record with a second-round 5-under-par 65. In the second round, play was suspended due to darkness through 15 holes. Vincent stopped second round play at 5-under-par on the day. Beginning at No. 7 Tuesday, Vincent finished the round with three consecutive pars. Vincent finished the tournament with a 215 after shooting a 76 in the first round and a 74 in the third round. The senior registered her fourth top-25 finish of the season with a tie for 18th.
“I am pleased with the progress the team made this week,” Blackwelder said. “The highlight was a career low of 65 by Senior Kristin Vincent which is a new school scoring record. Kristin has worked very hard on her game and it is great to see fruit of that effort. The rest of the team contributed solid rounds to the effort to end the season on a good note. Our young team took a very positive step this week, and provided us something to build on going forward.”
Sophomore Ashlee Rose also finished in a tie for 18th with a 215 (74-70-71). Rose’s low score came in the second round with an even-par 70. This finish marks Rose’s second top-20 finish of the season.
Freshmen Ashleigh Albrecht and Betsie Johnson each posted even par in the final round. Albrecht recorded a 223 (73-80-70), while Johnson registered a 224 (73-81-70) on the event. Johnson was charged a two-stroke penalty on each of the first and second rounds.
Junior Louise Ljungstedt rounded out Kentucky’s starting five with a 231 (73-85-73). Senior Erica Still competed at the tournament as an individual. Still posted an 18-over-par 228 (78-78-72) for her best event of the season.
The Challenge at Onion Creek marks the best three-round total on the season for Vincent, Rose, Johnson and Albrecht.
Wrapping up the fall schedule at the Challenge at Onion Creek, the Kentucky women’s golf team returns to action at the Qdoba Invitational in Miami, Fla. Feb. 14-16.
For complete coverage of the Kentucky women’s golf team, stay tuned to UKathletics.com.
