Huskers Sit in Second at Highlands Ranch Invitational

Highlands Ranch, Colo. - The Nebraska women's golf team shot a first-round score of 311 to sit in second place, just three strokes behind Iowa State's 308 after the first round of the Ron Moore Highlands Ranch Invitational in Highlands Ranch, Colo., on Monday.

Junior Merynn Ito led the Huskers in the first round with a three-over-par 75, which was good for a tie for third place on the 6,276-yard, par-72 Highlands Ranch Golf Course. Senior captain Stephanie Schaefer added a 78 to sit in a tie for eighth place after the first 18 holes.

Jackie Beste and Stephanie Ruiz also continued their consistent play by tying for 14th place after the first round with a pair of 79s. Freshman Chrissie McArdle rounded out the Husker lineup with an 86 to find herself in 41st place.

Despite Nebraska's position near the top of the standings, Coach Robin Krapfl said she hoped the Huskers played better during Tuesday's final round.

"Overall, I was a little disappointed in our performance," Krapfl said. "We may have entered the tournament a little overconfident, and we didn't take care of the little things. But we are right near the lead, and I think it got their attention. We're going to come out ready to play tomorrow."

In addition to Nebraska's five-player lineup at the tournament, three Huskers are competing as individuals, including Chelsea Gehring, who matched Beste and Ruiz's 79 in a tie for 14th. Gehring's round was the lowest of her career. Sara Sackett added an 80 to sit in a tie for 23rd, while Andrea Dunagan managed an 84 and a tie for 36th.

The second round of the 36-hole tournament gets underway on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Ron Moore Highlands Ranch Invitational
Highlands Ranch Golf Club
Highlands Ranch, Colo.
6,276 yards - Par 72

First Round Results
1. Iowa State - 308
2. Nebraska - 311
3. Denver - 312
Colorado - 312
5. Denver Gold - 320
6. Wyoming - 321
7. North Texas - 327
8. Northern Colorado - 330

Nebraska Individuals
T3. Merynn Ito - 75
T8. Stephanie Schaefer - 78
T14.Jackie Beste - 78
T14.Stephanie Ruiz - 79
T14. Chelsea Gehring - 79**
T23. Sara Sackett - 80**
T36. Andrea Dunagan - 84**
41. Chrissie McArdle - 86
** competing as an individual