ST. GEORGE, Utah (MARCH 7, 2024) –The Cowgirl golf team is in contention to defend their title from a year ago at the Southern Utah Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational at Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah. Wyoming sits in sixth place after the first day at 308 (+20) and is seven shots off the leader after 18-holes on Thursday.
"We got off to a bumpy start, but really rallied back," UW head coach Josey Stender said. "We started making some birdies, but storms rolled in at a time we were on the difficult park of the golf course. We are in the mix to defend our title and it is positive to know we can be in contention after a tough start. Overall, we just remained positive and patient and that will help the next two days."
The Cowgirls were paced by Kyla Wilde with a score of 76 (+4) for the opening round. She recorded four birdies on the day for the Brown and Gold. She is tied for 13th place. Morgan Ryan is tied for 13th with a score of 76 (+4).
Jadan Gonzalez shot a 77 (+5) on Thursday. She is tied for 22nd place. Tomine Bjerkelo shot a 79 (+7) and is tied for 40th place. Samantha Spielman added an 83 (+11). Grace Dunkleberger and Sophie Spiva are playing as individuals. Dunkleberger shot an 83 (+11) and Spiva had a solid day with a 76 (+4) and is tied for 22nd.
Boise State leads the field after 18 holes at 301 (+13). Utah Valley is right behind at 303 (+15) with Southern Utah and Stetson tied for third and Oral Roberts in fifth followed by Wyoming. T (Excel) Thalangkarn leads the field at 71 (-1).
The teams return to action tomorrow morning.
Cowgirl Scores
T13 Morgan Ryan – 76 (+4) = 76 (+4)
T13 Kyla Wilde – 76 (+4) = 76 (+4)
T22 Jadan Gonzalez – 77 (+5) = 77 (+5)
T22 Sophie Spiva – 77 (+5) = 77 (+5) *
T40 Tomine Bjerkelo – 79 (+7) = 79 (+7)
T62 Samantha Spielman – 83 (+11) = 83 (+11)
T62 Grace Dunkleberger – 83 (+11) = 83 (+11) *
*Playing as an individual
Top-Five Teams
1 Boise State – 301 (+13)
2 Utah Valley 303 (+15)
T3 Southern Utah – 304 (+16)
T3 Stetson – 304 (+16)
5 Oral Roberts – 305 (+17)
