The JU women’s golf team slugged it out in wet conditions on Sunday to finish in 12th place after the first round of the Queens Invitational on the Dye’s Valley Course at the TPC at Sawgrass.
Freshman Morgan Jackson and senior Alexandra Anderson had the best rounds for the Dolphins. Jackson rallied after a tough start to finish birdie-birdie to post a team-best six-over par 78.
Anderson also got off to a bad start, sitting a five-over par after just six holes during a driving rain storm, but answered with a tap-in birdie at the par-3 fifth en route to posting a seven-over par, 79.
The Dolphins posted a team round of 331 to sit in 12th place in the 17-team event. Florida Southern and Stetson lead the tournament after posting a 301 in the opening round.
Florida Southern’s Silvie Dittertova leads the individual competition after carding a two-under par 70.
“We struggled during the rain early, but I’m really proud of how we didn’t quit and played hard throughout the round,” said JU head coach Mike Blackburn. “This is a great learning experience for this group and I look forward to seeing us bounce back tomorrow.”
Senior Therese Karlsson posted an 83 in the wet conditions, while sophomore Jessica Williams carded a 90 to round to the team score.
Every one on the JU team battled through the roller-coaster round, that saw the first six holes played in the rain only to play the final 12 holes in picture perfect weather.
It was during the final 12 holes that most of the Dolphins saw their best golf. Anderson nailed a 7-iron for the tap-in on the par-3 fifth. Jackson shot two-under par on her final 10 holes. Williams found her putting stroke with four one-putt holes over her back nine. Karlsson had several birdie opportunities on her final nine as well.
The Dolphins had to scratch No. 1 Paige Gifford after she was suffering the lingering effects of a shoulder injury. In her place was freshman Alison Cornell, who shot a 91 in her first collegiate round – getting the nod for the starting lineup a few minutes before teeing off.
JU wraps up the tournament with the final 18 holes on Monday. The shotgun start begins at 8:30 a.m.
