March 2, 2006
RIO VERDE, Ariz. -- Led by a balanced team effort, Northwestern finished the first round of the Fourth Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational in first place, five strokes ahead of Western Michigan. The Wildcats, the highest ranked team (No. 45) in the tournament, turned in an 18-over 302 on the par-71 course.
Junior Alice Kim (Los Angeles, Calif./Brentwood) and freshman Jennifer Hong (Windermere, Fla./The First Academy) recorded 4-over 75's and are in fourth place, a stroke behind a trio of leaders. Sophomores Katie Trachok (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair) and Brittany Johnston (Akron, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) carded 5-over 76's and are in 12th place, two strokes off the lead.
Juniors Heather Scholten (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) and Kelly Robb (Concord, Mass./Middlesex) are 22nd and 50th, respectively, with a 7-over 78 and 9-over 80.
Versus their Big Ten rivals, the Wildcats are six strokes ahead of Iowa, eight in front of Michigan, nine in front of Illinois and 14 ahead of Indiana.
Live scoring is available for the tournament at Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational.
The tournament resumes at 3 p.m. CT Friday afternoon with the second round.