May 6, 2011

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The second-ranked and top-seeded UCLA Bruins built on its first round lead, posting a second round 301 (+13) to sit at 592 (+16) after two days of play at the NCAA Women’s Golf Central Regional, hosted by the University of Notre Dame at the Warren Golf Course.

“We struggled a little bit today, but I thought the conditions were a little tougher today and rather windy,” remarked UCLA head coach Carrie Forsyth. “We weren’t too happy with what we shot, but standing on the outside looking at what we did relative to the field, we did alright. “

Ani Gulugian leads the Bruins’ attack, sitting in second place with a 36-hole score of 145 (+1). Gulugian started her second round slowly, dropping to four-over par after the first six holes of play, but battled back with five birdies over the final 12 holes to climb back to two over par (74) on the day.

Minnesota put itself in position for a move on the final day of play, carding the low round on Friday with a nine-over par, 297. The Golden Gophers sat in fourth after the first day of play after opening with a 301 (+13), but by the time the final hole was played on Friday shared second place at 22 over par (598).

“The team played beautifully,” said Minnesota head coach John Harris. “We had some great weather this morning, and our girls mixed and matched really well. They are a good team, and they are playing the way that they need to play. Teresa (Puga) and Samantha (Sommers) are both seniors and have put in a lot of work and it has shown so far this tournament. “

Samantha Sommers led the Minnesota rotation, posting a score of 73 (+1) to climb from a tie for 11th after the first day to a tie for third place at two over par (146). The senior carded 10 pars on the round to go along with three bogies, one double bogey and four birdies. Teresa Puga (73, +1), Michele Edlin (75, +3) and Banchalee Theinthong (76, +4) rounded out the Golden Gopher scoring.

LSU shares second with Minnesota, finishing with a second-day score of 303 (+15). Austin Ernst paced the Tigers’ round, carding an even par, 72 in the second round to carry a 36-hole score of 146 (+2), good for a share of third place with Sommers. Ernst played a steady round of golf, recording 12 pars along with three birdies and three bogies.

“Today I was just trying to control the ball a bit more,” stated Ernst. “It was also pretty windy yesterday similar to today, but I feel like I have really good control on my ball right now with my irons and I just try to get on the green.”

Arkansas’ Emily Tubert, who carded a three under par, 69 on Friday, posted the low round of the tournament so far. The Razorback freshman put together a string of four consecutive birdies on holes four through seven to move to four under. After registering a one-over par back nine (37), she found herself alone in first place after 36 holes at even par (144).

“I love this golf course and I’m exactly where I want to be going into the last day,” exclaimed Tubert. “I’m not really sure at this time where everybody is at but I am right up there, and everything feels good. I’ll probably go practice a little bit tonight, but I’m feeling really good for tomorrow.”

With only the top eight advancing to the NCAA Championship, a lot remains up-for-grabs as positions four through 12 are separated by a mere 12 strokes. Arkansas currently occupies the eighth and final spot to qualify for the NCAA Championship at 34-over par (610).

Final round action gets underway 8:00 a.m. (ET) with the morning wave of play consisting of the top 12 teams in the standings and the two individual groups. The afternoon wave will commence at approximately 12:30 p.m. with the final 12 teams.