Ras-Anderica in Fourth at UCF Challenge
SORRENTO, Fla. – University of Miami sophomore Leticia Ras-Anderica fired a 3-under 69 and is tied for fourth overall Sunday after the first round of the UCF Challenge at RedTail Golf Club.
The Miami Hurricanes, who have posted back-to-back third-place finishes, are tied for eighth overall with Texas State after shooting a first-round 293, nine strokes out of first place. At 4-under 284, South Carolina currently holds a three-stroke lead over second-place and No. 9 North Carolina, Augusta State and host UCF at 287. Tulane is at even-par 288 and is in fifth place.
“The team is doing good right now and they played well today,” third-year head coach Patti Rizzo said. “We’re content with today’s result. We’re just nine strokes from first place and I think we can make up ground in the next two rounds.
“The course didn’t play very hard and that’s why you see so many low scores,” Rizzo said. “They’re going to re-pin the holes (Monday) and make it harder for us, but I think we’ll be ok.”
Outside of playing at home tournaments, the Hurricanes haven’t carded a round lowers than 293 since the 2011 Cougar Classic (292) in Charleston, S.C.
Ras-Anderica, a product of Moraira, Spain, started the first round in stellar fashion with three birdies and no bogeys. She is one of 22 golfers under par through 18 holes.
“I hit a lot of greens today, but I was struggling with my putting,” Ras-Anderica said. “I spent a good hour working on my putting after the round today and I feel better with it now. I’ll stick with the same game plan for the next two rounds and let’s hope that I can get my putting on track.”
Freshman Laura Hendee carded a 2-over 74 and closed Sunday’s round with birdies on No. 2 and No. 6 off the turn to move into a 35th-place tie with 13 other golfers. Also tied for 35th overall is freshman Christina Ocampo, who had an 11-hole par streak Sunday.
Sophomore Rika Park is tied for 59th after turning in a 4-over 76. Junior Carina Cuculiza shot a 7-over 79 and will enter Monday’s second round tied for 86th.
Play at the 2013 UCF Challenge will resume Monday at 8 a.m. ET. Live scoring will be available at www.golfstat.com.
