March 19, 2012
Results
CHICO, Calif. - The Western Washington University women's golf team struggled in its first tournament appearance of the spring and sits seventh among seven teams following Monday's first round of the Chico State Invitational being played at the Canyon Oaks Country Club.
The Vikings, ranked No.19 in the latest National Golf Coaches Association/NCAA Division II Top 25, were led by Claire Rachor (Jr., Bellingham), who shot a 10-over par 82, and as a team were a 53-over par 341, nine shots behind sixth-place Saint Martin's.
"It was a pretty bad day for us," said Western coach Bo Stephan. "We need to play better, no matter what spot we're in."
Sophie Elstrott (Sr., Eugene, OR/South Eugene) had an 83 for Western, and Kara Zitzman (Jr., Woodinville/Redmond), Alexandria Taylor (Sr., Sammamish/Eastlake), and Anna Bourland (R-Fr., Bainbridge) each shot 88.
The Vikings have won six of the last 10 Chico State Invitationals, and haven't finished worse than third in those appearances.
"It's a tough course," said Stephan. "If you don't hit it well, it can get you, and that's what happened to us."
Cal State Monterey Bay leads the team standings after a 20-over 318. Audra Kepler of CSUMB and Brittany Penny of Grand Canyon share the individual lead after shooting 74.
Tuesday's final round begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
