Oct. 16, 2006

Chula Vista, Calif. - After spending the weekend enjoying California, the Xavier women's golf team find themselves just six shots off a top-five finish, tied in 11th place with North Texas and Notre Dame (310, +22).  Senior Kara Manis, sophomore Lindsay Cornell, and freshman Tracey Clarke each lead the Musketeers with a first round, five-over par 77 at the par 72, 6,259 yard Salt Creek Golf Club.

The University of Denver turned in the most impressive day-one performance, as they currently lead the 19-team field, carding a nine-under par 279.  Their closest challenger is Bringham Young University sitting 17 strokes back.  Denver's success can be attributed to Emily Hoeper (66, -6) and Stephanie Sherlock (69, -3), the tournament's current first and second place individuals. 

The Musketeers fired a 22-over par 310, and find themselves only one stroke back from Sacremento State (+21), three strokes from ninth-place Fresno State (+19), and four strokes off seventh-place teams Cal Poly and Portland State University.

Xavier started the day with strong front-nine performances from freshman Mary Beth McKenna, Cornell (36), and Manis (37).  McKenna finished the day tied for 56th with junior Diana Torry at 79 (+7).

The second and final round of the TaylorMade Aztec Fall Classic will being tomorrow at 8 a.m. PT.