Mustangs Finish First Day at Chip N Club Invite In 2nd

LINCOLN, Neb. (SMU) – Just three strokes off the lead, SMU is sitting in second place after the first day of play at the Chip N Club Invite in Lincoln, Neb.

Freshman Alexandra Rossi, who led after the first round, is currently tied for fourth at a 7-over, 181 (70-81).

“I think she already knows she’s a good player,” Head Coach Jeanne Sutherland said. “The first round showed what she was capable of. The second showed the importance of mental toughness and conditioning.”

Sutherland stressed that this season-opening tournament is about discovering where the team currently sits, and how they can improve. But also, as defending champions of the event, the team is pleased that they are within striking distance of the top spot. Especially after feeling they can play better on day two.

“We’re going to go out and work on our goals,” Sutherland said. “At this point, we just need to get better.

“We were worried about executing shots rather than getting the ball in the hole.”

SMU’s other golfer in the top-10 is freshman Swede Jenny Haglund. She sits tied for sixth after an 8-over 152 (75-77).

Missouri is currently the team leader. Amy Anderson of North Dakota State leads individually by three strokes after a 3-over 147 (74-73) after day one.

Play will continue tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. CT. Fans can follow live on GolfStat.com or by via the team’s Facebook and Twitter pages.