March 27, 2006
Results
GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Catherine Kim (So., Bellevue/Skyline) and Katja Trygg (Sr., Bainbridge Island) are both among the top 10 in medalist play, helping nationally ranked Western Washington University to a two-stroke lead following the first-round action Monday at the 17-team Grand Canyon University Invitational Women's Golf Tournament being played at the Palm Valley Golf Course.
The second and final round takes place Tuesday.
The defending champion Vikings, ranked No.3 in the National Golf Coaches Association/NCAA Division II Poll and No.4 nationally in the Golfstat ratings, shot an opening-round 306. That is two shots better than runner-up St. Mary's TX. Tied for third at 311 are Northeastern State OK and Chico State.
"It ended up being the round that got away," said Western coach Bo Stephan. "We got off to a terrific start, but let it slip away at the end. We definitely have some room to improve tomorrow."
Kim shot a 2-over-par 74 and is tied for fifth individually, and Trygg is tied for ninth after shooting 76. Trygg, the defending tourney medalist, entered as the nation's No.2 ranked player.
Rounding out Western's scores were Candice Wagner (Sr., Milton/Fife) tied for 14th at 77, Jennifer Noland (So., Kennewick/Southridge) tied for 24th at 79 and Katie Bender (Jr., Tacoma/Bellarmine Prep) tied for 47th at 83.
Tied for medalist honors at even par 72 are Jessica McKay from host Grand Canyon and Rachel Clark from West Texas A&M.
Western is looking to return to winning form after placing eighth at the prestigious Rollins Invitational two weeks ago. The Vikings had won all five of their previous tournaments this season.
