LEXINGTON, Ky. – Freshman Mathilde Delavallade (Royan, France) carded a career-low 3-under (69) as Penn State shot 1-under (287) as a team during the opening round of the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational at the University of Kentucky's Big Blue Course on Friday afternoon.
The Nittany Lions are currently in second place just two strokes behind the host Wildcats as the only two teams in red numbers out of the 13-team field. Western Kentucky (1-over), Middle Tennessee (4-over) and Rutgers (7-over) round out the top five as each team is within 10 shots of the lead after an intense day one at the top of the leaderboard.
"We are really starting to settle in and are playing more relaxed," commented head coach Denise St. Pierre. "The players are focused, supportive of one another and are sticking to their plans."
Penn State's 287 tied for the seventh lowest 18-hole team total in program history as three of the top-seven rounds all-time have come at the Big Blue Course over the past two seasons.
"This course [Big Blue] is the same type of grass we are used to at home," added St. Pierre. "I think that helps put the team at ease because they know what to expect from it."
Delavallade began the day strong going out in 3-under (33) adding another birdie on 10 before giving one back with a bogey on 16 on her way in to post her best 18-hole score so far this season. The rookie is currently tied for the lead with Tulane's Carlota Palacios entering Saturday's second round.
"My putting and iron play are really on right now," stated Delavallade. "I slowed down my tempo due to the conditions and it helped keep my shots on line."
Sophomore Sarah Willis (Eaton, Ohio) also recorded her lowest round of the young season with a 2-under, 70, and is currently tied for third. Willis went out in 35 and finished the day with a bogey-free back-nine 35 for her total score.
Senior Megan McLean (Lebanon, N.J.) is tied for ninth after firing an even-par round of 72 including a bogey-free back-nine while junior Olivia Zambruno (Mt. Pleasant, Pa.) finished the day 4-over (76) and senior Maddy Herr (New Hope, Pa.) carded 6-over (78) to round out the team scoring.
Playing as an individual, senior Ashni Dhruva (Katy, Texas) finished at 5-over (77) and is tied for 56th. Penn State had 12 birdies as a team led by Delavallade with four while Willis and McLean had three each.
The Nittany Lions return to the course for the second round of competition tomorrow morning with tee times beginning at 10 a.m. off hole one.
FULL ROUND 1 RESULTS
