Sept. 18, 2008
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- University of Texas freshman Nicole Vandermade posted a one-under-par 72 to rest in a tie for third after the first round of the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational. The Longhorns are tied for fifth (301, +9) after the opening round at the University of New Mexico Championship Golf Course (6,167 yards, par 73). UT is nine shots behind first-round leader Pepperdine (292).
Vandermade, in her collegiate debut, sits one shot behind co-leaders Jayvie Agojo (Pepperdine) and Kasey Claussen (Colorado State). The Brantford, Ontario product recorded six birdies during her round and was one of just five individuals in the 80-player field to post a score under par.
Senior Caney Hines and junior Shannon Fish each carded a three-over-par 76 to stand tied for 32nd place, while seniors Kelley Louth and Kristin Walla both recorded a four-over-par 77 and are tied for 38th place. Junior Brittany Tomerlin, who is competing as an individual, collected an 8-over-par 81 to finish in a tie for 73rd.
Play continues with 18 holes teeing off at 9 a.m. Central on Friday, Sept. 19 before finishing with 18 holes on Saturday, Sept. 19.
2008 Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational
UNM Championship Golf Course-Par 73, 6,167 yards
Round 1 of 3
Top 6 Teams
1. Pepperdine, 292 (E)
2. New Mexico, 294 (+2)
3. Wyoming, 297 (+5)
4. UC Davis, 298 (+6)
T5. TEXAS, 301 (+9)
T5. TCU, 301 (+9)
T5. UNLV, 301 (+9)
Top 4 Individuals
T1. Jayvie Agojo (Pepperdine) 71 (-2)
T1. Kasey Claussen (Colorado State) 71 (-2)
T3. Jodi Ewart (New Mexico) 72 (-1)
T3. Nicole Vandermade (TEXAS) 72 (-1)
Other UT Individuals
T32. Caney Hines, 76 (+3)
T32. Shannon Fish, 76 (+3)
T38. Kristin Walla, 77 (+4)
T38. Kelley Louth, 77 (+4)
T73. Brittany Tomerlin, 81 (+8)
POST-ROUND QUOTES
HEAD COACH Martha Richards
On the play of freshman Nicole Vandermade: I am really happy with how Nicole played. She birdied every par 5 she played. The toughest stretch of the course got to her a little bit, but she'll just have to go out and tackle that tomorrow. She did a super job, and I'm thrilled with how she played.
I think it's a great start to her college career. I think this course sets up nice for her, and we'll see how she comes at it over the next two rounds.
On the team's overall performance: I think we played a lot of really good golf. I'm pleased with a lot of what I saw today. This is our first tournament and we're still trying to get our college legs back, but I think they're doing a great job. We know there are some areas where we can clean up a few of our mistakes, but hopefully we can put it together the next two days and give Pepperdine and New Mexico a run for their money.
I think we need to tighten up our focus. I think it's a good example of how you really have to play all 18 holes. You can't just play 14, so we'll need to really stay focused over the next two days to give those other teams a run.
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