Feb. 14, 2010

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. – Returning for the first action of the spring season, the University of Kentucky women’s golf team finished the opening round of the Hurricane Invitational, held at Don Shula’s Golf Resort (6,210 yards, par 72), in 13th place after recording a 22-over-par 310.

Freshman Betsie Johnson led the Wildcats after firing a 4-over-par 76. With a 39 on the front nine and 37 on the back nine, Johnson enters the second round tied for 25th.

Finishing tied for 34th, senior Kristin Vincent shot a 77 to open the tournament. Sophomore Ashlee Rose also registered a top-50 finish with a 78. Rose currently stands in a tie for 44th. With a 79, senior Sara Hurwitch landed in a tie for 51st, while freshman Ashleigh Albrecht posted an 81.

Kentucky returns to action Monday with a 12:30 p.m. EST shotgun start. A 36-hole event hosted by the University of Miami, the final round is set for Tuesday with another shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. EST.

Georgia State leads after first round with a 292, with San Diego State’s Christine Wong as the leading individual with a 3-under-par 69.

Joining Kentucky at the Hurricane Invitational are: UCF, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Eastern Michigan, East Tennessee State, Georgia State, Illinois State, James Madison, Miami, Memphis, Mercer, NC State, Oklahoma City, San Diego State, USF, Southern Miss and Texas State.

Kentucky wrapped up the fall season at the Challenge at Onion Creek in Austin, Texas. Finishing with an 873 (291-296-284), the Wildcats placed 11th.

After the Hurricane Invitational, the Wildcats travel to Valdosta, Ga., to co-host the Challenge at Kinderlou Forest with Kennesaw State. Held at Kinderlou Forest Golf Course, this year’s competition marks the tournament’s debut.

Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for complete coverage of the Kentucky women’s golf team and Hurricane Invitational.