Recordpub.com - KSU women golfers 15th After Day One At NCAA Central Regional

Kent State 15th After Day One At NCAA Central Regional

Flashes solid on back nine after sluggish start

AUSTIN, Texas -- The No.-13 ranked Kent State Golden Flashes struggled out of the gate and was never able to get things rolling en route to posting a 17-over par 305 in the opening round of the NCAA Central Regional. Third-ranked UCLA had no such trouble, firing a 5-under 283 to lead TCU by two strokes and No. 6 Purdue by five heading into Friday's second round.

Starting on the 10th hole, the Golden Flashes gave up seven shots to par in their first three holes, making the turn at 13-over as a team. However, KSU was able to rebound slightly, as senior Kira Meixner and freshman Martina Gavier both were even par over the final nine holes to help the Flashes play holes one-through-nine at just four strokes over par.

"It was just the opposite of the start we wanted," KSU head coach Mike Morrow said. "I thought we were a lot more competitive on the second nine and really did a nice job of keeping our composure.

"With how good our ball-striking was it was disappointing to have our short game let us down. That really has to improve tomorrow," Morrow said.

Junior Kirby Dreher posted a 2-over 74 to pace the Flashes in a tie for 30th. Gavier was a shot further back in a tie for 39th, while senior Tara Delaney and Meixner both turned in a 78 to tie for 66th. Junior Maddi Swaney rounded out the KSU contingent in a tie for 81st after posting an 80.

UCLA surged to the front of the 21-team field on the strength of a course record 65 by reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Maria Jose Uribe -- four shots better than the previous competitive low at the 6,301 yard, par 72 University of Texas Golf Club. Purdue's Maria Hernandez aced the second hole en route to carding a 66, while TCU's Valentine Derrey is third in the individual standings following a 67.

Despite their struggles, the Flashes stand just six strokes out of the all-important eighth spot in terms of earning a bid to the NCAA Championship.

"We're not going to approach tomorrow's round any differently," Morrow said. "We just need to get some momentum going early and try to make up as much ground as we can."

University of Texas Golf Club

Par 72, 6,301 yards

1. UCLA 283; 2. TCU 285; 3. Purdue 288; 4. Denver 292; 5. Nebraska 294; 6. Texas A & M 295; 7. Florida State 298; 8. Texas 299; T9. LSU 300; T9. N.C. State 300; 11. Texas State 301; 12. Notre Dame 302; T13. Alabama 304; T13. Pepperdine 304; 15. KENT STATE 305; T16. East Tennessee State 307; T16. Texas Tech 307; 18. Washington 312; 19. Illinois State 313; 20. Harvard 314; 21. Fairleigh Dickinson 354.

Kent State Individuals

T30. Kirby Dreher 74; T39. Martina Gavier 75; T66. Tara Delaney 78; T66. Kira Meixner 78; T81. Maddi Swaney 80