University of Washington
ANNIKA Invitational
Thomas Leads Huskies at ANNIKA Intercollegiate
September 27, 2015 | Women's Golf
“I'm encouraged by what I saw from our group today, especially with having three freshmen on the course playing against such a competitive field right out of the gates,” said head coach Mary Lou Mulflur. “We had some really great shots but just didn't get the reward on a lot of them but I like how we tightened up our game on the back nine. Tomorrow is a new day and I know this group will be ready to go.”
Thomas opened the day with a birdie on the par-5 hole one and finished with three more on holes six, 10 and 11 to put her six strokes off the lead heading into day two of the three-day 54-hole stroke play tournament. South Carolina's Katelyn Dambaugh carded the day's best round with her 7-under 65.
“Charlotte competed really well today,” added Mulflur. “Again, she hit a lot of really good balls but just didn't get a lot of reward for it. I feel like she's in a good place heading in to tomorrow's round though.”
Husky freshman Wenyung Keh (Auckland, NZ) was UW's next best finisher in round one as she shot an even-par 72. Playing in her first collegiate tournament, Keh was paired with reigning National Player of the Year, Leona Maguire out of Duke and 2015 All-American Mariah Stackhouse (Stanford). Keh entered the back nine at one over before carding two birdies and a bogey to bring her back to even, which places her tied for 29th.
“Wenyung played with two of the best players in the world today and to perform how she did and not be overwhelmed by that, was a huge testament to her,” said Mulflur. “To finish at even par against those two on the first day of her first collegiate tournament was very encouraging and I'm looking forward to see how she carries that over tomorrow.”
Senior Ying Luo fired a 1-over 73 to wrap up the day tied for 34th and was followed by freshman Sarah Rhee's 3-over 73, which tied for 47th. Freshman Julianne Alvarez (Wellington, NZ) rounded out the squad with a 6-over 80 to finish tied for 58th.
“Overall, we know we have a lot of golf left to play and we just need to focus on the fact that tomorrow is a new day,” added Mulflur. “If we go out and do what we know we are capable over without worrying about anything else, we'll be fine.”
The USC Trojans lead the 12-team field with a 12-under 276 followed by Duke at 11-under 277 and Texas A&M (10-under 278).
The Dawgs will be back on the 6,245 yard, par-72 Watson Course at Reunion Resort on Monday, Sept. 28.
Players Mentioned
