Challenging weather affects OC Eagles on opening day

DALLAS (Oct. 13, 2014) – Strong winds that turned The Golf Club of Dallas into what Oklahoma Christian coach Greg Lynn called "a long hitters’ course" weren’t kind to the Lady Eagles.

OC posted a team score of 314 in the opening round of the Dallas Baptist Women’s Classic, putting the Lady Eagles in 10th place in the 17-team field, 13 shots behind the leader, tournament host DBU. Tarleton State (Texas) is three shots behind Dallas Baptist. Perhaps the best news for OC is that it’s just six shots behind third-place Newman (Kan.).

"The wind was blowing so hard it was hard to walk into it," Lynn said of the 30-40 mph gusts that affected players. "We did not play great but tomorrow is another chance."

Audrey Meisch and Anna Arrese Cortadellas led the Lady Eagles, each shooting a 4-over-par 76 on the 5,851-yard layout to stand tied for 14th in the 91-woman field. They trail individual leader Sydney Williams of Dallas Baptist by seven shots.

The other three Lady Eagles – Allison Sell, Dana Todd and Catherine Odgers – each shot an 81 and were tied for 45th.

The tournament will conclude with a round on Tuesday. The event is OC’s final prep before traveling to Panama City Beach, Fla., for the National Christian College Athletic Association Championship, which will start on Oct. 27.

Rogers State shot 321 led by Raquel Trevino. The junior sits inside the top 10 in seventh overall after carding a 3-over-par 75. Michelle Tierney and Ariel Wixson, a freshman from Tulsa, making her collegiate debut, posted matching scores of 81to tie for 45th place following round one on the par-72 course.
 
Kina Boone recorded an 84 and Mica Eastin shot an 88 closing the day for RSU sitting 68th and 82nd, respectively. Boone equaled the birdie total of Trevino with three to lead the team, two back from the category leader.
 
Sydney Williams of the host Dallas Baptist has the individual lead after a 3-under-par 69 in round one helping the Patriots to the top of the 17-team leaderboard with a score of 301.

Oklahoma Christian open in sixth at Bill Ross Intercollegiate

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (Oct. 13, 2014) – In a field full of NCAA Division I teams, Oklahoma Christian held its own Monday on the first day of the Bill Ross Intercollegiate.

Playing in a steady rain and 30-40 mph north winds, OC – the only Division II squad in the field – posted a team score of 308 and stood sixth, 13 shots behind the leader, Wichita State.

OC had four players in the upper half of the 84-man field, led by junior Sam Johnston, whose 3-over-par 75 at 7,054-yard Milburn Country Club put him tied for 13th, six shots out of the lead.

The start of the tournament was delayed by rain Monday, and event officials decided to go ahead and play, but to shorten the tournament from 54 to 36 holes. The final round will be played Tuesday and the Eagles will enter play just six shots out of second place.

"It was an absolute mental grind," OC coach David Lynn said. "We really worked hard and fought well. We played with Nebraska, Oral Roberts and Missouri State and were low in our group. We just need a few more breaks tomorrow. I’m really pleased with our effort and look for better results tomorrow."

After Johnston, OC’ s other four golfers all finished within two shots of each other. Freshman Zac Schaefer’s 77 left him tied for 25th. Senior Jared Consoli and freshman Chase Esparza – making his first appearance in OC’s starting lineup – each shot a 78 and were tied for 35th. Junior Kevin Workman, also starting for the Eagles for the first time, was tied for 45th after a 79.

The tournament is OC’s final tuneup for the National Christian College Athletic Association Championship, set to begin Oct. 27 in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Oral Roberts University men’s golf team shot 315 and sits in 15th place overall. 
 
Complete Team Results
1 – Wichita State – 295
2 – UMKC – 302
3 – Kansas State – 303
4 – Denver – 306
5 – Arkansas State – 307
6 – Oklahoma Christian – 308
7 – South Dakota State – 309
8 – Creighton – 310
9 – Missouri State – 311
10 – Nebraska – 312
11 – Central Arkansas – 313
T12 – Drake – 314
T12 – SIU Edwardsville – 314
T12 – Northern Iowa – 314
15 – Oral Roberts – 315
16 – Western Illinois – 322