Arkansas junior Mari Fassi birdied five-times during her first round
(Arkansas Athletics Photo)
RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico (February 12, 2018) - Conditions remained difficult at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic but winds didn't blow in sweeping changes at the top of the second round leaderboard. In fact with now 36-holes in the books it is still Arkansas and Maria Fassi leading the way at Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa.
Arkansas (+18) struggled throughout the day but the Razorbacks in search of their fourth win of the season still hold a five shot advantage over Iowa State (+23) with Ken State (+26) in third, defending champion NC State (+32) in fourth and TCU (+35) in fifth.
After the first round Fassi, the reigning Lady Puerto Rico Classic winner, was the lone player under-par but even she slid back into the black on Monday with a 4-over 75. A winner twice this season, Fassi had her moments including an opening birdie, her first of four, and also consecutive birdies on Nos. 12 and 13 but he scorecard also was littered by six bogeys and a double-bogey.
Arkanas was able to maintain their spot atop the standings thanks to Dylan Kim (T5; +5) who fired a 5-over 76 and Jordy LaBarbera (T43; +16) who rebounded from a day one 13-over 84 to card a 3-over 74 and the round of the day for Arkansas. Three other Razorbacks shot 6-over 77's.
Behind Fassi in the medalist chase are Celia Barquin Arozamena (Iowa State) in second at 3-over, Carley Cox (East Carolina) and India Clyburn (NC State) are sharing third at 4-over while Robyn Choi (Colorado), Kim and Michaela Finn (Kent State) share fifth at 5-over.
ROUND ONE RECAP
Led by Maria Fassi the Arkansas Razorbacks are out in front at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic. Following a day of strong winds at Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa Arkansas is level-par and eight shots clear of second place Kent State.
Iowa State (+12) is third, TCU (+13) sits in fourth while defending champion NC State (+15) is fifth.
The Razorbacks, playing in their first event of the spring, moved into the lead thanks to the steady play of their junior star and Lady Puerto Rico Classic defending individual champion Maria Fassi who signed for a 3-under 68. Fassi, a winner twice already this season, was the only player under-par on Sunday and she will carry a three shot edge into the second round.
Fassi started her round with a bogey on No. 1 before rebounding nicely with four birdies over the next six holes and one more on the 16th to get as low as 4-under. She did drop one more shot with a 17th hole bogey but the lead was still comfortably hers after round one.
Three other Razorbacks are inside the top-10 including Dylan Kim (T2; E), Alana Uriell (T6; +1) and Maria Hoyos (T9; +2).
Completing the top-five of the individual standings along with Kim in a tie for second place at even-par are Karoline Stormo (Kent State), Charlotte Lafourcade (Maryland) and Michaela Finn (Kent State).
ABOUT THE
54-hole women's college tournament hosted by
Purdue University. Team (best four scores out of five
players) and individual competitions.
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