Oct. 5, 2009

SAMMAMISH, Wash. - In the third week of the season the WSU Women's golf team is presently in a tie for 12th place at the Edean Ihlanfeldt Invitational. The Cougars posted a first-round total of 333 (+45) at the par-72, 6,136 yard Sahalee Country Club.

True freshmen Ali Thompson and Emma Betland again lead the team with the two lowest rounds in day one. Each carded an 81 (+9) and are tied 38th. Thompson and Betland have finished one-two for the cougars in each of the events this season.

Junior Allison Travis was close to her freshmen teammates, posting an 83 (+11), and is currently in a tie for 55th. Sophomore Kristen Allard carded an 88 (+16) and is tied for 65th.

The Cougars are currently in a tie for 12th with New Mexico State, only nine strokes back from the top-10, but head coach Kelli Kamimura is confident the team can improve in the final two days of the tournament.

"Today was a tough day for the team, but the women did not quit," said Kamimura. "Sahalee is a difficult course and they learned a lot from their round today."

The second round of the Edean Ihlanfeldt Invitational will resume Tuesday with tee times beginning at 10 a.m.

WSU Results: Ali Thompson 81(+9), Emma Betland 81(+9), Allison Travis 83(+11), Kristen Allard 88 (+16) and Ellen Park 90(+18).

Team Standings: 1. California 296 (+8), 2. San Francisco 301 (+13), 3. Stanford 308 (+20), 4. San Jose State 309 (+21), 5. Washington 310 (+22), 6. Pepperdine 311 (+23), 7. Brigham Young Univ. 320 (+32), 8. Idaho 321 (+33), 9. Long Beach State 322 (+34), 10. Oregon State 324 (+36), 11. Oregon, U. of 326 (+38), T12. Washington State U. 333 (+45), T12. New Mexico State 333 (+45).

Top Five: 1. Natasha Podmore, San Francisco 72(E), T2. Christina Stockton, San Francisco 73(+1), T2. Emily Childs, California 73(+1), T2. Madeleine Ziegert, San Jose State 73 (+1), T2. Pia Halbig, California 73 (+1), T2. Katrina Delen Briones, San Jose State 73(+1).