NSU paces state schools in first round of Central Regional Preview at Hillcrest CC
Northeastern State was in third place leading six Oklahoma schools after the first round of the Central Regional Preview, a 36-hole event at Hillcrest Country Club in Bartlesville. The tournament concludes with a second round Tuesday.
Yasmin Hang finished the day with a 71 and is currently part of a four-way tie for second place among individual performers, two strokes back of the medalist lead, currently held by Henderson State’s Allie Bianchi.
Jessica Parker joins her in the top ten, shooting a 73, which was good enough to tie for tenth. Marybeth Bellnap shot a 75, which places her in a tie for 17th headed into the final day. Sam Maceli finished with a 78, while Ines Diaz provided an 86 in the opening round.
The tournament gave NSU coach Scott Varner an opportunity to reconnect with Hillcrest head professional John Hron, who played for Varner and was a four-year assistant coach at NSU. (see picture).
As a team, the RiverHawks landed a 297, slotting them in third behind Henderson State (287) and Central Missouri (290). Meanwhile, Augustana sits closely behind NSU in fourth with a 298 entering the final round, while Central Oklahoma closes out the top five with a 303.
Central Oklahoma posted a 303 on Monday after one trip around the 5,928-yard par-72 course. Jirasuda Khunarak opened with a 3-over-par 75 Monday and is tied for 17th individually in the tournament. Mika Ramos, Scarlet Sturch and Emma Shelley all opened with a 4-over 76 and all three are tied for 24th individually. Estela Castillo (83) is also in the UCO lineup. Drew Faires (81) is playing as an individual.
Host Rogers State was in a tie for sixth place after turning in a card of 307 (+19).
Marelda Ayal and Kristin Gudmundsdottir led the way in a group of seven tied at 17th after both shot 75 (+3) on the day. Lydia Sitorus is in a group of eight tied at 35th with a card of 78 (+6). Lauren Anderson sits in a large group of 11 tied at 43rd with a 79 (+7). Jessica Osden rounds out the squad in a group of eight tied at 70th with an 83 (+11).